Trusts

Our trust expertise includes trust establishment, administration, review, restructure, and distribution. Our specialists work closely with our tax experts where necessary to ensure that New Zealand trust structures are tax-efficient.

Advising on the Trusts Act 2019 changes

The Trusts Act 2019 comes into force on 30 January 2021 and will have a big impact on the administration of most trusts in New Zealand. Our trust specialists have created 3 easy-to-use guides below that cover the key features of the Act, disclosure obligations, and what you need to do between now and 30 January 2021.

Trusts Act 2019: key features for trustees and settlors

Trustee disclosure obligations under the Act

Key actions for trustees and settlors before the Act comes into force

International trusts

We have a depth of experience with international trusts and our specialists regularly work alongside our clients’ offshore advisors to ensure that all cross-border tax and legal considerations are taken into account. This is the case whether an individual is intending to live in New Zealand while retaining significant assets offshore or remaining offshore while investing in New Zealand.

Services we provide:

• Exemption from NZ tax for offshore income derived by international trusts
• Disclosure requirements where a New Zealand resident trustee is appointed
• Distributions to New Zealand resident and non-resident beneficiaries
• Reviewing, preparing and interpreting trust instruments
• Advising on tax implications for New Zealand-based recipients of foundations established in various civil law jurisdictions.

Charitable trusts

We have considerable expertise in the not-for-profit-sector and advise our clients on the establishment and administration of charitable trusts, charitable status, compliance with the Charities Act, and tax concession issues.

Trusts Act 2019 guides: our experts have created 2 easy-to-use guides below that cover: application of key features of the Trusts Act 2019 to charitable and other purpose trusts, and what you need to do between now and 30 January 2021.

Trusts Act 2019: charitable trusts and other permitted purpose trusts

Key actions for charitable and other permitted purpose trusts before the Act comes into force