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The Flexible Will For Young Families

Tax Savings: Flexible Will For Young Families

Where there are children or grandchildren under the age of 18, there are potential tax savings to be made from a Flexible Will.

A Flexible Will incorporating a testamentary trust is a more flexible structure for the beneficiary. Each beneficiary can choose, at the time of your death, whether or not they want to take advantage of the more flexible option. If a beneficiary chooses not to take advantage of the more flexible structure, then the Flexible Will simply operates just like a traditional will.

The asset protection benefits of a flexible will for young families are highlighted in the following example:-

Andrew and Phil did everything together.  Tragically, on a fishing trip, their boat capsized and they both lost their lives.  Both Andrew and Phil (aged 37 years):

  • Were married with three children (aged 5, 7 and 11).
  • Earned about $35,000 a year and had wives earning $30,000 a year.
  • Had homes with $300,000 with mortgages of $100,000.
  • Had no savings but had superannuation and life benefits worth $280,000.

Andrew and Phil could be described as the typical young husband.

On their death, the following occurred:

IssueAndrewPhil
WillAndrew had a traditional will. Under his will he left everything to his wife (Susan).Phil left a flexible will, in which he established a testamentary trust for his wife (Mary).
Allocation of EstateSusan repaid her mortgage with the funds from the estate.  The balance then remaining ($180,000) was invested in her name.Mary also repaid her mortgage with the funds from the estate.  The balance then remaining ($180,000) was invested in the name of the testamentary trust.
Income earningsSusan received a return of 10% on the investment – $18,000 paThe trust’s investment also earned 10% a year – $18,000 pa
The tax stingThe income was taxed in Susan’s hands – Susan paid $5,400 (30%) tax.For tax purposes, $6,000 was treated as income of each child.  No tax was paid.
BalanceThe balance of $12,600 was then used to feed, clothe and educate the children.The whole $18,000 was available to feed, clothe and educate the children.
ResultOver the next 10 years, Susan paid a total of $54,000 tax.Over the next 10 years, no tax was paid by the trust.

To find out more about whether a Flexible Will is right for you, contact us.

Ross Mason
Author:
Ross Mason

22 Mar, 2019

The information in this article is intended to provide general information only and does not constitute legal advice. If you require legal advice specific to your particular circumstances, you must formally engage a lawyer or law firm. The law is subject to change, and whilst we strive to keep our content up-to-date, developments may occur after publication. The information contained on our website should not be relied upon or used as a definitive or complete statement of the relevant law. Mason Lawyers takes no responsibility for any use of the information provided. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

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