Assisting Family Investment Companies with Discretion and Integrity
Bespoke corporate vehicles are often used as an effective alternative to other fiduciary structures.
With the UK tax treatment of trusts becoming more complex and not as attractive, the attraction of family investment companies as a vehicle to pass assets onto the next generation is increasing.
Family investment companies are bespoke corporate vehicles that rely on the creation of multiple share classes carrying pre-defined economic and voting rights. Separation of the various rights to vote, rights to participate in capital and income, means that families can provide the next generation with participation in the current and future asset value, whilst maintaining control of their management.
For families who are tax resident in the UK, and for whom the creation of a traditional trust structure would result in charges for inheritance tax, the use of a family investment company can be particularly attractive. Properly structured, transfers of value to the company are usually considered to be potentially exempt as such that no inheritance tax is payable provided the donor survives seven years. The company must be tax resident in the UK, which is usually achieved by having most directors in the UK therefore, its profits will be subject to the UK corporation tax regime. Dividend income though is often tax free.
The use of a Jersey company and experienced service provider provides the following benefits:
- No tax is payable in Jersey on income or capital gains
- There is no requirement to file annual accounts, although accounts must still be prepared
- Shares in a Jersey company are not considered to be a UK situs asset
- Gains access to highly regulated service providers experienced in international matters
- Tax efficient wealth planning
- Parents retain control of investment strategy
- It provides increased flexibility if the family decides to leave the UK
- Privacy compared to a UK company as no public listing of officers and shareholders
- Ability to roll up income and gains having paid only corporation tax
Forward Group have a highly experienced team assisting some of the world’s most discerning families with the creation and administration of innovative and effective estate planning solutions with the utmost discretion and integrity.
KEY FEATURES
- Incorporation and provision of registered office
- Provision of director and secretary services
- Full bookkeeping and accounting services
- Full regulatory and compliance reporting
- Articles tailored to each client’s situation and objectives
- Maintenance of statutory records
- Management of all compliance related reporting e.g. FATCA & CRS