Benefits of a trust

Our primary goal is for all our clients to OWN NOTHING, because if you own nothing there is nothing to lose.

In order to accomplish this, an “inter vivos” trust is established during your lifetime. The process to register a trust is fairly easy, but it is of utmost importance to consult with an experienced trust specialist to draft the trust deed.  This is the contract that dictates the relationship between you, the founder, the trustees and beneficiaries.

ESTATE PLANNING

One of the primary advantages of a living trust is that it offers you tax efficient management and control of assets now and after your death. The growth in your estate is “pegged” and the value will increase in the trust. A trust creates an entity that owns assets outside your personal estate, consequently excluding these assets from estate duty.

 

Taxes and costs amounting up to 35% can be saved, through proper structuring, as an individual will be liable for the following costs and taxes upon death:

 

  1.  Estate Duty (20% of Estate).
  2.  Capital Gains Tax (16,4%).
  3.  Executor's Fees (at 3,99% of the Gross Estate).
    This is a particularly unnecessary and avoidable tax. Executor's fees are calculated on the gross value of an estate and deducted before any other expenses.
  4.  Conveyancing fees on immovable property.

 

A trust will ensure uninterrupted access to capital and income after the death of an individual.The trust's bank accounts and cash reserves of the trust will not be frozen during the winding up of the individual's estate, which can take up to two years.

RISK PLANNING

Through proper structuring, protection of assets against creditors can be achieved.

The major risk categories are:


  •  Financial risk
  •  Business risk
  •  Personal risk
  •  Family/Divorce risk

LEAVING A LEGACY

  • A trust is an entity that will “outwit, outplay & outlast” you, and will not terminate (unless decided by the trustees). It can therefore own properties and assets for generations, and then pass this portfolio of assets to the next of kin or heirs tax free.

  • In conclusion, to protect your accumulated wealth, contact us to assist in planning your lasting legacy.

TAX PLANNING

There are many tax advantages of properly structured entities.

Please contact us for tax structuring advice based on your personal needs.

Further benefits of estate structuring are:

Protection of Minors

In SA law a minor cannot be the registered owner of property, therefore the asset is liquidated and the proceeds invested in the Guardian's Fund at 7,25% interest rate. Assets are also protected against spendthrift children, who will not be able to reduce the inheritance to zero.

Multi-ownership of assets

Some assets cannot be divided, for example businesses, farms or other property. By placing these assets in a trust, the heirs can therefore be the beneficiaries of the income generated by these assets.

Confidentiality

Upon the death of an individual a will becomes a public document. A trust does not form part of your estate and thus the assets of the trust remain confidential.

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FREE TRAINING VIDEO:
The Incredible Power of Trusts

In this FREE high content training video you will learn.

  • The 5 everyday risks business owners face
  • The 5 absolute myths and misconceptions about trusts
  • The 10 Indispensable reasons why you must set up a trust structure before you do anything else
  • How you can leave a lasting legacy for your family & loved ones