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By limiting the deductibility of investment-managing expenses by trusts, the Supreme Court's decision in the Knight case increases the taxes on trusts that use professional investment managers. This article by Richard LeVine of Withers Bergman examines the ruling and notes the need for innovative relationships between trusts and assets managers to ...

Donating appreciated securities to charities may provide tax advantages over making cash donations by reducing capital gains taxes. This report from Fidelity Investments explores the issue, providing assistance in calculating tax savings and explaining how a donor advised fund can reduce paperwork to make these donations easier.

Private trust companies can protect and enhance a family's wealth, but the ownership options need to be weighed carefully. In this article, Michael Stanford-Tuck of Bermuda-based Appleby Global discusses such choices as the non-charitable purpose trust, the Cayman Islands' STAR trust and the British Virgin Islands' VISTA trust.

Pre-nuptial agreements and marriage agreements are not binding under English law, leaving the details of divorce settlements largely in the hands of judges. But decisions rendered in the past five years show that judges are now taking pre-nups more seriously. This article from Withers shows how an appeals court has interpreted the importance of a p...

An inherited fortune may come with strings attached as wealthy families make a college education or job experience a condition of inheritance. About 60 percent of families with more than $10 million in assets place stipulations like these, according to a report on attaining and retaining wealth from Barclays Wealth. The report also discusses the im...

The answer to whether to establish a Roth account or to roll over a traditional retirement account to a Roth is not always obvious because of the upfront tax cost associated with the Roth. Whether an individual reaps an offsetting benefit will depend on how long money remains in the account, the tax rates in effect when it is withdrawn and how the ...

Savvy investors have always known that an economic downturn presents opportunities for anyone willing to bet on a recovery. Similarly with estate planning, there are distinct advantages in taking action while market values and interest rates are low. By transferring property now, individuals can reduce the size of their taxable estates while giving...

These harsh economic times should induce beneficiaries, fiduciaries and their advisors to review trust distributions and portfolio viability. Whether investment and inflation conditions get worse or improve, if everyone takes a long hard look at the economic reality and works together, they can devise a deliberate and practical trust plan that will...

Designed to exist perpetually, promote family values and provide a substantial legacy, a dynasty trust takes the greatest possible advantage of a donor's gift tax and generation-skipping transfer tax exemptions. The trust property and the appreciation on that property remain in trust out of the family's successive estates. However, the flexibility ...

The charitable lead trust can be used effectively for the ultra-wealthy to pass property, at death or during life, to charity and family members. The trust is particularly effective for individuals who want to address their charitable interests and also set aside money for future generations' medical, educational or other needs.

Low interest rates are certainly disheartening for investors looking for income, but they also drive down key rates used in estate planning – a great benefit to those looking for low or no tax techniques for transferring wealth to family members. It is unlikely, however, that these rates will remain as low as they currently are.

Taxes may always be with us, but not necessarily in the same way depending on where we live. Deutsche Bank takes a global look at income tax, comparing tax scales, types of deductions and tax systems from one country to another.

Recent tax court cases have shown the ongoing administration of family limited partnerships is as important as making sure the transaction was properly structured at the outset. Withers Bergman says the family office is a natural fit for ensuring such administration because of its day-to-day involvement with family members and their holdings.

A new paper from Withers examines a privy council decision upholding, in large part, a post-nuptial agreement made by a wealthy couple. Given the landmark decision in MacLeod v MacLeod, the authors say, some couples may want to clarify the financial arrangements between them by entering into a post-nuptial agreement.

A client alert from Baker & McKenzie offers insight into HMRC's draft guidance setting out the agency's view on the application of the new trustee residency rules to non-UK resident corporate trustees.