How To Set Up A Discretionary Trust

934 Words2 Pages

8 steps to set up a discretionary trust / family trust
Posted June 12, 2015
A trust is a legal relationship whereby one person (the ‘trustee’) holds assets for the benefit of one or more other parties (the ‘beneficiaries’). A discretionary trust (also known as a family trust) is a trust in which the trustee is given the power/discretion to decide which of the beneficiaries are to benefit from the trust.

A discretionary trust is an important vehicle for a number of reasons, which include:

Asset protection – the assets of a discretionary trust are distinct from the assets of the beneficiaries of the trust and may be protected from creditors in circumstances where a beneficiary is sued or made bankrupt;
Minimise tax – by distributing income …show more content…

This discount is also available to individuals, but not companies.
Legal, accounting and/or tax advice may need to be sought to determine whether a discretionary trust is appropriate based on your circumstances. Set out below are the steps required to setup a discretionary …show more content…

In New South Wales, stamp duty of $500 is payable in respect of each new trust within three months of the trust being established in accordance with the provisions of the Duties Act 1997 (NSW), which is administered by the NSW Office of State Revenue. If duty is not paid within three months then interest is payable until such time as the duty is paid.

6. Apply for ABN and TFN
Once the trust has been established an application for an Australian business number (ABN) and tax file number (TFN) should be made for the trust. An application for both an ABN and TFN can be made online through the Australian Business Register or with the assistance of an accountant or lawyer. This can take up to 28 days.

7. Open bank account
Once the discretionary trust has been established and the trust deed stamped (if stamping is necessary) then a bank account should be opened for the trust in the name of the trustee as trustee for the trust. The bank may require the trust ABN before it will open the

More about How To Set Up A Discretionary Trust

Open Document