Trusts & executorships

Trusts are extremely useful instruments for tax planning purposes. They are particularly useful for holding shares in private companies as part of a family financial or tax plan - especially if you want to reduce inheritance tax liability in your estate.

They can also be useful for:

• Providing funds for your children's education, maintenance, etc.
  
• Restricting access to property by future beneficiaries
  
• Providing for people who are mentally or otherwise incapacitated
  
• Gifting to charity

There are four main types of trust:

1. Life interest trusts
   
2. Discretionary trusts
   
3. Accumulation and maintenance trusts
   
4. Bare trusts

Each type of trust receives different tax treatment and can be adapted to many different purposes.

To take full advantage of trusts in your tax and estate planning you need to receive expert help and advice.