A Guide to Different Types of Trust Structures

Trust structures can be a tax-efficient way to manage your assets and minimize your tax obligations. In Australia, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has specific rules and regulations regarding trusts that you must comply with. In this blog post, we’ll explore the different types of trust structures that you can use to manage your finances while staying compliant with the ATO.

Discretionary Trusts

Discretionary trusts, also known as family trusts, are a popular choice for managing assets and minimizing tax liabilities. In this type of trust, the trustee has the power to distribute income and assets to beneficiaries at their discretion. This means that the trustee can decide how much income and assets each beneficiary receives, depending on their individual circumstances.

Discretionary trusts are a flexible and tax-efficient way to manage your assets, as they allow you to distribute income and assets in a way that minimizes tax liabilities. They are commonly used by families to manage their wealth and pass it on to future generations.

Unit Trusts

Unit trusts are a type of trust structure that allows investors to pool their money and invest in assets such as property, shares, and other investments. In a unit trust, the investors hold units, which represent their share in the trust. The trustee manages the trust and distributes the income and assets to the unit holders according to their share in the trust.

Unit trusts are a popular way for investors to invest in a range of assets, as they provide diversification and can be managed by professional trustees. They are commonly used for property investment, as they allow investors to pool their money and invest in a property without having to manage it themselves.

Hybrid Trusts

Hybrid trusts are a combination of discretionary and unit trusts, and are a popular choice for business owners and investors. In a hybrid trust, the trustee has the power to distribute income and assets to beneficiaries at their discretion, but the trust also has a fixed component, similar to a unit trust.

Hybrid trusts are a flexible way to manage your assets and minimize your tax obligations, as they allow you to combine the benefits of both discretionary and unit trusts. They are commonly used by business owners and investors to manage their assets and minimize their tax liabilities.

Testamentary Trusts

Testamentary trusts are trusts that are established through a will, and only come into effect after the testator’s death. In a testamentary trust, the assets of the deceased are held in trust for the benefit of the beneficiaries named in the will.

Testamentary trusts are a useful way to manage your assets and provide for your loved ones after your death. They can also help to minimize tax liabilities, as income earned by the trust is taxed separately from the income of the beneficiaries.

Conclusion,

Trusts are a flexible and tax-efficient way to manage your assets and minimize your tax liabilities. When using trusts for tax and ATO purposes, it’s essential to seek professional advice to ensure you comply with the regulations. At Tax Savers, we have a team of experienced tax accountants who can provide you with expert guidance on the different types of trust structures and help you manage your finances while staying compliant.