I purchased the usufruct and a friend purchased the bare ownership of a property. What are the consequences of this dismemberment for the real estate wealth tax (IFI)?

A taxpayer is liable for the real estate wealth tax when the total value of their real estate assets exceeds €1,800,000 (Article 964 of the French General Tax Code). In the situation described, the law provides that the property must be declared at its full ownership value in the usufructuary’s…
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Is it possible for a landlord to rent out a dwelling without a kitchen?

No. The law requires the landlord to provide the tenant with a “decent” dwelling (Article 6 of Law No. 89-462 of 6 July 1989). A decree dated 30 January 2002 defines the criteria for decent housing. It specifies that a dwelling must be equipped “with a kitchen or a kitchenette…
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I signed a preliminary sale agreement to purchase an apartment. The promisor (seller) has just passed away. Am I still bound by the agreement?

Yes. The law provides that the heirs “automatically succeed to the property, rights and actions of the deceased” (Article 724 of the French Civil Code). Therefore, your preliminary sale agreement is not void, and the seller’s heirs may continue the sale process.
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I am a legatee under a partition will. If I renounce it, does that mean I also renounce my parent’s estate?

Yes. Through a partition will, the testator divides and allocates their assets among their heirs. Allowing a legatee to renounce the will while accepting the estate as a legal heir would undermine the division intended by the deceased (Article 1079 of the French Civil Code).
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I wish to make a monetary donation to my municipality to finance the renovation of the music hall. Am I entitled to a tax reduction?

Yes, subject to conditions. The donation must be allocated to a project that meets the criteria set out in Article 200 of the French General Tax Code (cultural, social, educational nature, etc.). The municipality must record the donation separately in its accounts, use it in accordance with your wishes, and…
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I have served a formal notice to elect on a minor heir. His legal guardians (parents) have not responded. Is he deemed to have accepted the succession unconditionally?

No. Neither the minor nor his parents may accept a succession unconditionally without the judge’s approval (Articles 388-1-1 and 387-1, 5° of the French Civil Code). Case law holds that when a minor is served with a notice to elect and his representatives remain silent, he is deemed to have…
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Four years ago, my siblings and I inherited our parents’ house. I am now selling my share to my sister for a price higher than the value estimated at the time of death. Will I be taxed on the capital gain?

No. The division of property resulting from an inheritance between the original co-heirs, their spouses, ascendants, descendants, or universal successors is not subject to capital gains tax (Article 150 U IV of the French General Tax Code).
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My father has passed away. The notary handling the estate has only provided me with a copy of the will and informs me that he does not have the original, which is held by another notary. Is this normal?

Yes. The original of a will is kept by the notary who has custody of it, meaning the one who received it and filed it among his official records (Article 1007 of the French Civil Code). The notary you have appointed to handle the estate therefore only has a copy.
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I have signed an exclusive agency agreement. The agency has found a buyer at the asking price. Am I required to sell?

No, you are not required to sell, even if a prospective buyer offers the asking price (see, to that effect, Cour de cassation, 3rd Civil Chamber, 12 February 2008, No. 06-21.709, concerning a mandate given to an estate agent; and Cour de cassation, 3rd Civil Chamber, 17 June 2009, No…
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