Tax Effective Will - who for?

There are two principal factors which indicate that consideration should be given to the creation of a "Tax Effective" Will.  The first factor is that beneficiaries are, or the beneficiaries have, children under the age of 18 years.  So where you have children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren under the age of 18 years a "Tax Effective" Will maybe appropriate.  The second factor is that there is a substantial amount to pass to a beneficiary.  This amount may vary, depending upon circumstances, but anything in excess of $200,000 should act as a trigger to consider the appropriateness of a "Tax Effective" Will.

Read a worked example of a testamentary trust where there is a surviving spouse and minor children.

Rather than have your children inherit directly, if they have children of their own who are under 18 years of age, it may be more beneficial to set up testamentary trusts for each of your children.  For an example of the income tax advantages of this - see worked example.

Read a worked example involving superannuation and insurance proceeds.

Read further details on the concessionary tax income of minors.