Question:
My wife and I have an estate worth just less than the current federal estate tax limit, so we don’t need to worry about US estate taxes. We have no children and plan to have a family member as executor. Upon death, we plan to have our assets collected and sold, which include property, brokerage accounts, 401(k) accounts and IRAs. After taxes, costs, etc., we have asked our executor to divide the estate between our favorite charities, US citizen friends, and family (nieces and nephews).
We also have good friends in France (no relationship) and would like to leave $200,000 or so to their daughter. The funds could probably be transferred in cash; however, my question then is how the US government views this and what is needed here to effect the transfer? On the receiving end, I have been reading about French inheritance law and believe my executor can send these funds, but they have to be reported to their government by the beneficiary and a stiff tax paid of upwards of 60%. Am I interpreting this correctly?
Response:
As far as I can tell, the French inheritance laws and taxes only apply to property in France or to the estates of residents of France. It doesn’t look like there would be any taxes on what you leave a French citizen. If you were to move to France or if you owned real estate in France, the answer would be different. To be certain, you or your friends could consult with a notaire in France. Bonne chance!
