Trusts Flashcards
What is a trust?
A trust is a legal obligation binding a person (the trustee) to deal with property over which they have control (the trust property)
A trust is a way of giving property away to beneficiaries
It allows some control to be kept over the property and can sometimes provide tax advantages
Who are the 3 parties to a trust?
- Trustee
- Settlor
- Beneficiaries
Who administers and controls the trust according to its terms?
The trustees
What does the trust document do?
It transfers legal ownership of the trust property to the trustees
Who is the original owner of the property or provider of the funds being placed under trust?
The settlor (who is usually also the life assured)
Is the settlor often a trustee and why?
Yes, so they can retain some control over their property until death
Who is entitled to receive the property of a trust?
The beneficiaries
(Often the spouse, children, grandchildren or other relatives of the settlor)
Can a trustee also be a beneficiary?
Yes
Who are lay trustees, and do they charge for their services?
They are non-professional trustees such as family members of the settlor & they do not charge for their services
Do professional trustees charges for their services?
Yes
How many trustees can be appointed?
Any number of trustees except where the trust is of land, when only up to 4 can be appointed
Who can be a trustee?
Anyone over 18 who is of sound mind
It is in the settlor’s interest if the trustees are willing, honest, likely to outlive the life assured and are trustworthy
Who are trustees accountable to for their actions?
The beneficiaries
What are the 2 main reasons property may be placed under trust?
- For IHT planning purposes
- To retain some control over the gift
For gifts from normal expenditure from surplus income to be exempt from IHT, what 2 rules must be satisfied?
- The payments must be habitual
- The donor must have enough income remaining to maintain their standard of living
When are the proceeds paid on the death of the life assured not subject to IHT?
When the policy is written under trust