If I had some gold held in a vault, would this have to be declared on a French impôt return or would you only have to pay the taxes on it when you sold it?
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Thanks, lots to read and translate! I had a bit of an idea about the payment of taxes but it may be a question of declaring that you own it on your tax form even before you sell it? ie, declaring it as an investment that you own just like other insurance policies or savings policies!
Gold is an asset, akin to any other such as fine art, or a top end Rolex watch etc. Once bought - assuming acceptable taxes were paid on the money used for its purchase - it is just an asset.
If though you are making any money from the gold whilst in your possession, then yes, it is declarbale. But if it is sitting there earning nothing, then it is just like your Rolex or Renoir.