Investing in French property is a dream for many, but it’s important for potential buyers, especially those who are affluent, to understand France’s wealth tax implications. This guide offers valuable insights into the French wealth tax, known as the Impôt sur la fortune immobilière (IFI), providing essential information for both residents and non-residents contemplating property investment in France.

1. The Evolution of French Wealth Tax: Traditionally, France was not considered tax-efficient for wealthy individuals. However, significant changes occurred in 2018 when the ISF (Impôt de Solidarité sur la Fortune) was transformed into the IFI, focusing solely on real estate assets. Under the IFI, only the net value of real estate assets, including direct and indirect shares in real estate, is subject to annual wealth tax, with the threshold, bands, and tax rates remaining as they were under the ISF​​.

2. Implications for Non-residents and New Residents: Non-residents with French property are liable for wealth tax on net real estate assets physically located in France. Newly arrived tax residents in France can benefit from a five-year exemption for assets outside France, provided they weren’t domiciled in France during the five years before becoming a tax resident again​​.

3. Deductibility of Debt: The IFI is calculated over the taxpayer’s real estate assets, net of debt. Debts incurred for purchasing or maintaining real estate assets can be deducted. Changes in 2018 amended the treatment of interest-only loans and introduced restrictions on the deductibility of certain debts, particularly for high-value properties​​.

4. Calculating IFI Tax Liability: The IFI applies to net assets of €1.3 million or more, with the need for a joint declaration for couples and inclusion of assets held by children under 18. There are various deductions and exemptions, including a 30% discount on the main residence, exemption for premises used for the taxpayer’s main professional activity, and a 75% exemption on the value of woodland​​.

5. Determining a Property’s Market Value: Taxpayers must determine the market value of their property as of January 1 of the relevant year. This can be done through evaluations by notaires, licensed real estate agents, or using government databases and online tools. The valuation should be adjusted annually based on publicly available property price data​​.

6. Penalties for Non-Compliance: Failure to declare or undervaluation of assets can result in significant penalties, including a 10% initial penalty and additional penalties for continued non-compliance or late payment. The tax authority can also impose an administrative assessment for undervaluation or omission​​​​.

7. Tax Calculation and Declaration for Non-residents: Non-residents are subject to the IFI if their net value of French real estate assets exceeds €1.3 million. The tax calculation involves determining the taxable assets and subtracting deductible liabilities. There are online tools available to help evaluate taxable assets​​​​.

8. Tax Scale and Online Filing Requirements: The IFI tax rate varies from 0 to 1.5%, applied in tranches. The calculation starts at €800,000, though the threshold for the tax is €1.3 million. Online tax filing is required for IFI returns, with electronic payment for taxes due over €300​​.

Understanding the intricacies of France’s wealth tax is essential for property buyers, especially for those investing in high-value properties. The IFI presents unique challenges and opportunities, and potential investors should consider consulting tax experts to navigate this complex landscape effectively. This guide serves as a starting point for understanding the IFI and its implications for property investment in France.