Hi, I have reached NSW land tax threshold. I will need to pay land tax if I buy more properties in NSW. Is it a reasonable thinking that as discretionary trust has no land tax threshold in NSW and I have reached land tax threshold in NSW, it is better to setup a discretionary trust to buy more properties in NSW? By doing so, I can benefit from 1. income distribution to partner and kids (once they turn 18) 2. capital gain distribution to partner and kids (once they turn 18) 3. asset protection, etc according to TerryW How will buying properties in discretionary trust affect my borrowing power? My rough calculation: 1. If buy 2 more properties in NSW under discretionary trust discretionary trust setup $2500 audit cost $1000 per year land tax $6400 (~ $200,000 x 1.6% x 2) per year 2. If buy 2 more properties in NSW under my name land tax $6400 (~ $200,000 x 1.6% x 2) per year After 20 years, buying in discretionary trust will cost $2500 + $1000 x 20 = $22,500 But the benefit in income distribution and capital gain distribution outweighs $22,500, is it correct? Any comments or corrections or suggestions? Thanks in advance.
Hiya, My last discretionary trust including corporate trustee was ~$1000 from a South Australian lawyer. Maybe they're cheaper here than Sydney. Not sure what you mean by audit costs. The corporate trustee has an annual review fee payable to ASIC of ~$246. Your accountant also needs to perform a separate tax return on the trust and whatever his rate might be. I think this throws your comparison figures off. I'm uncertain how land tax is calculated for NSW trusts though, so will leave that one to the locals.
