Although France has no law relating to the formation of trusts, it maintains an active interest in the taxation of trusts. From 1st January 2012 new tax rules apply. A levy of .5% of the fair assessed value of the rights and assets of the trust are made and which is levied on persons (constituting or profiting from a trust) which, taken literally, includes the administrators, settlors or beneficiaries who have a tax residence or domicile in France or anyone who has an interest in any trust holding assets in France.

Also, there are many new disclosure provisions to be made at the beginning of each year; this information must be supplied by the following 15th June.