Inheritance planning

In most jurisdictions, it is important to make a will if you have specific wishes as to who you would like to benefit from your estate or, if you own a company, who is to succeed you in its ownership.

Tax considerations

Most countries impose inheritance and gift taxes, but there are often significant differences in the rates of tax and how they are applied. These rules will also vary if you are resident for tax purposes in one country but hold assets in another. The domicile of the beneficiaries, and how that jurisdiction treats inheritance and gifts from a tax perspective, is a further matter for consideration.

Keeping it in the family

There are many ways to plan tax-efficient inheritance. The ultimate solution will depend on the jurisdictions concerned, as well as their fiscal relationship with each other. In some countries, a trust may be the best solution for ensuring that your heirs are not tax-disadvantaged, while, in others, life assurance may be the optimal way to mitigate the impact of inheritance tax.

No matter what your particular situation may be, our wealth planners will guide you through the complex maze of inheritance legislation and its country-specific tax consequences.

Contact us for more information