French Tax Residency Is Not Just a 183-Day Count

A US living trust built to avoid probate can trigger a 31% French tax bill the moment you revoke it as a resident.

In this episode, French tax attorney, Thomas Dubanchet, explains why trust structures built to simplify a US estate plan often need a fresh review once France enters the picture, why French tax residence cannot be determined by a day count alone, and how a formal written position from French tax authorities can address specific situations before a client commits to a move.

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WHAT THIS EPISODE COVERS
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00:00 - Why a French tax lawyer builds his practice around US-connected clients
05:25 - The planning gap FATCA created between US and French systems
08:23 - The common mistake of optimizing your old state's plan instead of coordinating with the new one
19:03 - How France treats US living trusts
23:15 - Requesting a formal written position from French tax authorities
25:36 - Why French tax residence is not just a day count

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ABOUT THE GUEST
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Thomas Dubanchet is a French tax lawyer admitted to the Nice Bar and the founder of Bespoke, a French tax law firm advising U.S.-connected individuals and families on relocation, French tax residence, trusts, and estate planning. He works with clients’ U.S. tax and legal advisers to coordinate planning across both countries.

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ABOUT THE HOST
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Arielle Tucker, CFP® & IRS Enrolled Agent with Connected Financial Planning, is a cross-border financial planner based in Switzerland helping Americans living abroad navigate U.S. taxes, international investments, and cross-border financial planning.

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ABOUT PASSPORT TO WEALTH®
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Passport To Wealth® is the platform for current and aspiring US expats looking for trusted, fiduciary support. We connect globally mobile Americans with expert, licensed cross-border financial advisors, tax professionals, and relocation experts who understand the financial and legal complexities of life abroad.

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RESOURCES & LINKS
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Subscribe to the newsletter: https://www.passporttowealth.com/contact
Order "The Expat Money Playbook": https://www.passporttowealth.com/expat-money-playbook
Schedule a paid Expat Expert call: https://www.passporttowealth.com/about
Find a fiduciary expat financial advisor: https://www.passporttowealth.com/directory
Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-dubanchet
Find Thomas in the Passport To Wealth® Directory: https://www.passporttowealth.com/thomas-dubanchet

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STAY CONNECTED
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/passporttowealth
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passporttowealthofficial
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/passport-to-wealth
Website: https://www.passporttowealth.com

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SUGGESTED EPISODES
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEpcNqiw2v8
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTPAcS3dPB4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etmj5LzGZ00

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This video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice. Individual circumstances vary. Consult a qualified cross-border financial professional before making any financial or tax decisions.

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#expatfinance #financialplanning #passporttowealth #france #livingtrust