Part 3 of 4
This is the Finance Act 2013 version of this article. It is relevant for candidates sitting the Paper P6 (UK) exam in 2014. Candidates sitting Paper P6 (UK) in 2015 should refer to the Finance Act 2014 version of this article (to be published in 2015).
So far in this article we have looked at the reasons why it may be beneficial to use a trust, the different types of trust and the inheritance tax (IHT) implications of transferring assets to and from a trust. We are now going to look at capital gains tax (CGT) followed by an example.
As far as CGT is concerned it should be remembered that there is no CGT on death. Where the transfer to or from the trust has not arisen on death, it is necessary to consider whether the assets are chargeable or exempt. If they are chargeable, and a gain has arisen, the availability of reliefs, particularly gifts hold-over relief, should also be considered.
The CGT implications of transferring assets to a trust, and of property passing absolutely from a trust to a beneficiary, are summarised in Table 2 below. These rules apply to transfers made on or after 22 March 2006. The rules that applied prior to that date are not examinable.
Table 2 shows that:
Table 2: Capital gains tax and trusts
Transfer into trust | Property passes absolutely to a beneficiary |
|
---|---|---|
Trusts with an immediate post-death interest | Can only be created on death: • no CGT on death • trustees acquire assets at probate value | On the death of the life tenant: • no CGT on gains made whilst assets held by trustees
• compute gain by reference to market value • gifts hold-over relief is available in respect of qualifying business assets and on any assets if the transfer is immediately subject to IHT |
Relevant property (mainstream) trusts (ie all other trusts) | In settlor’s lifetime: • compute gain by reference to market value • gifts hold-over relief is available because the transfer is immediately subject to IHT
• no CGT on death • trustees acquire assets at probate value | • compute gain by reference to market value
|
Alfred
Alfred is married with three children. His main assets are a valuable art collection and a number of investment properties. Alfred is writing his will and wants to provide for his wife, Molly, whilst ensuring that the capital value of his estate is preserved for his children.
Alfred could establish a trust with an immediate post-death interest via his will. Molly would be the life tenant and would have the right to use the trust assets and receive any income during her lifetime. On her death the assets would pass to the children.
Alfred would need to be advised that on the transfer of the assets to the trustees:
Whilst the assets are in the trust:
On the death of Molly and the transfer of the assets to the children:
You need to be completely clear in your mind as to the rules set out in Table 2 (and Table 1 from Part 2). Gifts hold-over relief is particularly important here, as it is available, regardless of the nature of the assets disposed of, whenever a transfer is immediately subject to IHT.
Written by a member of the Paper P6 examining team
The comments in this article do not amount to advice on a particular matter and should not be taken as such. No reliance should be placed on the content of this article as the basis of any decision. The author and the ACCA expressly disclaims all liability to any person in respect of any indirect, incidental, consequential or other damages relating to the use of this article.