Trusts

A trust is a legal arrangement where one person (the settlor) transfers assets to another person or entity (the trustee) to be held and managed for the benefit of a third party (the beneficiary). Trusts can be used for a variety of purposes, including protecting assets, managing property, and ensuring financial support for loved ones. Trusts provide flexibility in managing and distributing assets, and can be tailored to meet specific needs and objectives, such as minimising inheritance tax or providing for a family member with special needs.

There are several types of trusts available in the UK, each serving different purposes:

• Bare Trusts: The beneficiary has an immediate and absolute right to the assets and income of the trust.
• Interest in Possession Trusts: The beneficiary is entitled to the income from the trust assets, but not the assets themselves.
• Discretionary Trusts: The trustee has the discretion to decide how to distribute the income and assets among the beneficiaries.
• Accumulation and Maintenance Trusts: These are typically set up for children or young people, allowing income to be accumulated and used for their maintenance, education, or benefit.
• Trusts for Vulnerable Persons: Designed to provide for individuals who are physically or mentally disabled.
• Charitable Trusts: Established to benefit a charitable cause or organisation.

Each type of trust has its own legal and tax implications, making it important to choose the right one for your specific needs.

Setting up a trust can offer numerous benefits, including:

• Asset Protection: Trusts can protect your assets from creditors, legal claims, and financial mismanagement.
• Tax Efficiency: Certain types of trusts can help reduce or defer inheritance tax and other taxes.
• Control and Flexibility: Trusts allow you to specify how and when your assets will be distributed, providing control over your estate even after your death.
• Support for Beneficiaries: Trusts can provide financial support and security for beneficiaries, particularly those who are minors, have special needs, or are otherwise vulnerable.
• Privacy: Unlike wills, which become public records after probate, trusts generally remain private.

A trust functions by transferring ownership of assets from the settlor to the trustee, who manages these assets for the benefit of the beneficiaries. The settlor creates a trust deed that outlines the terms and conditions, including how and when the assets should be distributed. The trustee has a fiduciary duty to manage the trust assets responsibly and in accordance with the trust deed. This setup ensures that the beneficiaries receive the assets according to the settlor's wishes, providing flexibility and control over asset distribution.

A trustee can be any individual or entity that the settlor trusts to manage the assets responsibly. This can include friends, family members, professional advisors, or financial institutions. It's important to choose trustees who are reliable and capable of handling the responsibilities, as they will be tasked with managing the assets, making investment decisions, and ensuring that the terms of the trust are followed. In some cases, co-trustees are appointed to share the responsibilities and provide checks and balances.

Trusts can have various tax implications depending on the type of trust and how it is structured. Generally, trusts may be subject to income tax, capital gains tax, and inheritance tax. For instance, discretionary trusts are typically subject to higher income tax rates on undistributed income, while bare trusts may not have any special tax treatment, and the income is taxed at the beneficiary's rate. It's crucial to work with a tax advisor or solicitor to understand the specific tax obligations and benefits associated with the trust you are establishing.

Whether a trust can be changed or revoked depends on its type. Revocable trusts can be altered or dissolved by the settlor at any time, providing flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances. Irrevocable trusts, on the other hand, generally cannot be modified or revoked once they are established, except under certain conditions or with the consent of the beneficiaries. The terms for changing or revoking a trust are usually specified in the trust deed, so it's important to clearly outline these terms during the creation of the trust.