Tax on unproductive wealth: understanding reform and its heritage issues

With the possible arrival of thetax on unproductive wealthAs early as 2026, most savings and property holders wondered whether their assets will be affected, and especially how to recognize what differentiates them from the assets of the economy.IFI. Here, no jargon or alarmist approach: the essential thing is to distinguish what really changes through examples drawn from real situations, so that everyone can anticipate without losing sight of his or her heritage balance and tranquility, whatever Parliament's decision.

Tax on unproductive wealth: definition, thresholds, exclusions and essential impact to know now

In 2026, the creation of this tax could fundamentally reshape the taxation of large assets in France. Imagined in the finance bill (PLF), this new tax targets the share of assets « dormant » – in other words, assets deemed to be of little importance for the real economy, starting from1.3 M€(Assembly version) or2.57 M€(Senate version). This measure, which was still debated at the end of 2025, mainly concerns owners of vacant real estate, large cash or unbuilt land. Unlike the IFI, it could also affect current accounts with a high balance or a fraction of life insurance on euro funds.

Frequent interrogation during my trainings: « Will I pay this new tax instead of IFI? ». In other words, everything will depend on the final text. At this stage, the IFI remains in place, but the time is ripe to better understand possible developments and consider next steps in order to optimize its heritage choices.

Definition, context and objectives of the reform

Since the boom in real estate prices and the marked increase in precautionary savings (more than2 600 Md€ depositsIn France at the end of 2025, the government sought to reorient part of the wealth towards the productive economy. This project« tax on unproductive wealth » This is in line with a desire to reduce taxation on occupied stone to the benefit of assets or liquidity not mobilized.

At the technical level, the reform envisaged focuses on:

• Unfilled or underutilized real property, often described as « sleeping ».
• Cash in surplus, including current accounts, booklets, and the euro share of insurance-life a point that many wealth management boards closely monitor.
• Unbuilt or waste land, regularly cited in exchanges with notaries.

But everything remained suspended at the end of 2025 between two political visions: the National Assembly proposed a threshold of1.3 M€with a fixed rate of1 %and a reduction of1 M€on main housing, while the Senate suggests raising the threshold to2.57 M€, targeting the most important assets. As long as the Joint Joint Committee has not decided, nothing is fixed, and last minute changes are still possible.

For example, during a workshop, a couple based in Paris, owner of a nice vacant apartment, land in the Dordogne and equipped with500 000 €He was found to be eligible for tax when he escaped the IFI the previous year. We sometimes think of being sheltered, while a simple transfer of assets can change the tax situation.

IFI comparison and unproductive wealth: thresholds, scale and exclusions

In the face of sometimes difficult parliamentary positions, it is understandable to lose the thread. What distinctions between IFI and potential unproductive fortune? The major points as of November 30, 2025 are:

This comparison allows you, at a glance, to visualize your future taxable plate. Note that after simulations shared by France Insureurs,70 %of the2 100 Md€d which could change the deal if the widest version is adopted.

One point that deserves vigilance: the exact definition of the« unproductive » is still under discussion. Rental housing, SME shares, securities and rental-dominated SCPIs are generally excluded, but exemption arrangements may evolve. A tax trainer recently indicated that official notices might be adjusted several times as was the case with the ISF.

Heritage optimization: practical advice and perspective

This new tax that can target your liquidity or a large part of your life insurance increases the need to organize in advance. There is no need to give in to precipitation: there are room for manoeuvre to adjust without disrupting everything.

Anticipate possible adoption: scenarios and timetable

The reform currently awaits its turn in the Joint Joint Committee (December 2025). The entry into force on 1 January 2026 is not guaranteed certain articles could be amended or even postponed. Until then, the standard IFI regime is applied.

Among the accompanying families, many choose to wait until the final vote before making arbitrations. This cautious attitude does not prevent you from performing some simulations right now, taking into account the Assembly and Senate versions to consider the impact on your heritage.

Evaluate and reduce your potential exposure: some practical tips

Some of the avenues regularly mentioned by the Heritage Management Advisors:

• Placing a share of liquidity in productive investments (SMEs, SCPI valuing rental, or real estate rental), which sometimes makes it possible to get out of the tax field.
• Benefit from the IFI donation: for each4 000 €tax reduction can reduce the actual burden to1 000 €(or75 %(a) some suggest rapid returns the following spring.
• Bringing together your life insurance contracts in « Units of account » to limit the tax burden of the euro funds.
• Building on the rental of vacant property or land, giving them the status « Productive ». Several owners report tangible changes as a result of this strategy.

According to several observed cases, it is generally better to plan your arbitrations in a little bit ahead of time, as contract amendments, donations or changes in asset allocation often take a few weeks to be taken into account in tax matters.

FAQ and interactive simulator: your concrete questions, my practical answers

Are you uncertain about your situation, the exact content of the assets to be reported, or do you want to clarify your approach? Here are the answers to the most recurrent questions, collected during workshops or asked by those following these developments.

To better understand the impact of this reform on your financial securities, our guide onISF securities: what to knowprovides clear and detailed answers.

To anticipate the fiscal impact of this reform, discover alsoHow to Avoid Flat Tax Crypto in 2026: Guide to Legal Solutionsto optimize your digital investments.

In the face of fiscal developments such as unproductive wealth tax, it is essential to understand the implications of reforms on your assets, particularly in terms oflife insurance and succession new law.

Does unproductive wealth tax really replace IFI in 2026?

No, until the PLF 2026 is fully implemented. For the time being (December 2025), the IFI remains the applicable scale. However, there is nothing to exclude that the promulgation expected at the beginning of 2026 will impact the current regime.

Who will be concerned: what threshold and what assets to integrate?

The threshold will depend on the final version:1.3 M€(Assembly) or2.57 M€(Senate). This will include vacant real estate, unbuilt land, significant liquidity, life insurance in euro funds, after discounts. Some notarial expertise indicates that the lists will remain scalable.

About the reduction in principal residence and the 1 M package€ ?

Until30 %the main residence is maintained, as is the proposal for1 M€on a unique property. Attention, however, to possible last-minute adjustments, as observed by tax practitioners in previous reforms.

Simulating my exhibition: how can I simply do it?

Use an updated simulator from the publication of the law. For now, the classic IFI tool remains usable, but consider including your cash and the euro portion of life insurance provisionally to get a more realistic calculation.

Who can contact if my case goes off the beaten track?

A tax specialist, a heritage advisor or a recognized foundation (citons Fondation de France or Syage Notaires) can guide you according to your profile and the particularities of your heritage.

Comparative Simulator (present Assembly/Senate/IFI)

Take a few minutes to assess the impact of one or the other scenario on your personal situation. This simple diagnosis can avoid many disappointments when reporting or checking cash. Some user feedback points to some necessary adjustments.

In case of uncertainty, keep in mind that wise counsel often allows you to sleep on both ears. Many participants in my trainings report that it is better to act early than to be surprised in the spring when declaring!