Plan d’épargne retraite (PER) as a wealth transmission tool

The Plan d’épargne retraite (PER) can serve as a strategic tool for wealth transmission rather than just a retirement income source. If a holder does not need to liquidate the capital to supplement their retirement income, the PER can be preserved until death, offering significant tax advantages for heirs.

Tax rules depend heavily on the age of the holder at the time of death. For deaths occurring before age 70, beneficiaries may receive up to €152,500 each. For deaths occurring after age 70, a global tax allowance of €30,500 applies. Spouses or civil partners (PACS) are entirely exempt from these specific taxes.

Because many insurance-based PERs include a beneficiary clause similar to life insurance, the capital is paid directly to designated individuals outside of the standard succession process. France Assureurs estimates that the total savings accumulated in PERs marketed by insurers has reached €100 billion, making the succession implications significant for many households.