As a trustee, what information do you have to provide to beneficiaries?
Trustees are obliged to provide certain information to beneficiaries, but how much? This question has been a continuing source of frustration for trustees, especially those who find their discretionary decisions...
Company or Trust
The two most common farm-owning entities are either a company or a trust. Often, a farming operation is carried out with a mix of trust ownership (typically owning the land)...
IRD numbers required for trusts to buy and sell residential property from 1 October 2015
This could cause a problem for any trust if the sale or purchase is due to settle after that date.
Companies acting as corporate trustees: 28 October is a critical date
As from 28 October 2015 a company must have at least one director who either: lives in New Zealand, or lives in Australia and is a director of a company...
Complying Trusts
Help is here for a settlor who leaves New Zealand. In New Zealand we have a settlor-based tax regime.
Should you change your trustees? Always good to review
If you set up your trust some years ago, it may be time to consider whether the trustees you appointed are still right for the role.
Worthy Causes
Many people consider leaving money to charity by their Will. This can be their whole estate, or just a specific amount or part of an estate.
Section 21 Agreements and Trusts
Marriage, in the eyes of the law, is a largely – although not entirely – outdated institution; it’s now ‘relationships’ that are important.
Duties of an Attorney under an Enduring Power of Attorney
Often people agree to accept the appointment as an attorney under an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) without really understanding what’s involved and what will be expected of them.
FATCA and New Zealand Trusts
The US Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) has been in force in New Zealand since June 2014.