Photo by Kindel Media on Pexels.com.

Estate planning: Will vs deed of gift vs living trust

Contemplating one’s mortality is an inevitable and often uncomfortable aspect of life, akin to the certainty of taxes. Estate planning, though essential, delves into this sensitive territory, compelling individuals to confront the reality of their own mortality.

While the topic may be emotionally challenging, engaging in estate planning is a prudent and responsible measure that allows individuals to navigate the complexities surrounding their assets, beneficiaries, and end-of-life wishes, providing a thoughtful and organised approach to an inevitable part of the human experience.

20431654 10154724847436905 9069947486612391688 n.jpg? nc cat=107&ccb=1 7& nc sid=2be8e3& nc ohc=iWzmohQTQP0AX9JoBL2& nc ht=scontent.fpos1 2

Rocket Lawyer

All the legal help you need. Anytime. Anywhere. We make legal services affordable and simple for all. Family and personal • Last Will and Testament • Living Will • Divorce Settlement Agreement • Child Care Authorization Business and contracts • Non-Disclosure Agreement • LLC Operating Agreement • Independent Contractor Agreement • Business Contract Real estate • Lease Agreement • Eviction Notice • Intent to Purchase Real Estate • Quitclaim Deed

Estate planning is crucial for several reasons, and its importance extends beyond just the wealthy. Here are some key reasons why estate planning is significant:

Reasons why estate planning is significant

Asset distribution

Control over distribution: Estate planning allows individuals to specify how their assets should be distributed among heirs, beneficiaries, or charitable organisations. Without a proper plan, state laws and probate court decisions may determine asset distribution.

Minimising taxes

Tax efficiency

Effective estate planning can help minimise the tax burden on an estate, ensuring that more assets are passed on to heirs rather than being depleted by taxes. This is especially important for individuals with substantial estates.

Protecting beneficiaries

Minor children

Estate planning is essential for parents with minor children. It allows them to designate guardians for their children and establish trusts to manage and protect assets on behalf of minors until they reach a certain age.

Avoiding probate

Time and cost savings

Proper estate planning can help avoid or streamline the probate process, saving time and reducing associated costs. Probate can be a lengthy and expensive legal process through which a deceased person’s estate is settled.

Healthcare directives

Medical wishes

Estate planning often includes the creation of advance healthcare directives and living wills. These documents outline an individual’s preferences regarding medical treatment and end-of-life care, providing guidance to family members and healthcare professionals.

Business succession

Smooth transition

For business owners, estate planning is vital for ensuring a smooth transition of the business to the next generation or designated individuals. It helps prevent disruptions and financial challenges for the business.

Charitable giving

Philanthropic goals

Estate planning allows individuals to include charitable contributions as part of their legacy. This can involve setting up trusts or foundations to support causes that are important to them.

Incident planning

Incapacity planning

Estate planning includes documents like durable powers of attorney and living trusts, which can be crucial in managing an individual’s financial and healthcare affairs in the event of incapacity.

Family harmony

Reducing conflicts

Clear and well-thought-out estate plans can help minimize family disputes and conflicts over inheritances. This is particularly important in blended families or situations where there may be potential for disagreements.

Peace of mind

Personal fulfillment

Knowing that one’s affairs are in order and that their wishes will be carried out brings peace of mind. It relieves stress for individuals and their loved ones during challenging times.

Estate planning options

Feature	Will	Deed of gift	Living trust
Timing of asset transfer	Assets are transferred upon death	Assets are transferred immediately	Assets are transferred during lifetime
Probate	Assets go through probate	Assets bypass probate	Assets bypass probate
Control over assets	Grantor retains control until death	Grantor relinquishes control immediately	Grantor can retain or relinquish control
Flexibility	Can be changed or revoked at any time	Cannot be changed or revoked after executed	Can be changed or revoked at any time
Tax implications	May be subject to estate tax	May be subject to gift tax	May be subject to gift tax and capital gains tax
Privacy	Public record after death	Private document	Private document
Cost	Relatively inexpensive	Inexpensive	More expensive than a will or deed of gift
Complexity	Relatively simple	Simple	More complex than a will or deed of gift
Best for	Those who want to control their assets until death and leave a clear directive for asset distribution	Those who want to transfer assets to another person immediately	Those who want to avoid probate, protect assets, or plan for incapacity

Please note: This table is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. It is important to consult with an estate planning attorney to discuss your specific needs and goals and to determine which estate planning document is right for you.

What is a will?

A will is a legal document that allows you to specify how you want your assets to be distributed after your death. In Trinidad and Tobago, a will must be in writing and must be signed by or on behalf of the testator (the person making the will) in the presence of two witnesses. The witnesses must also sign the will in the presence of the testator and each other.

Requirements for a valid will in Trinidad and Tobago

The testator must be of sound mind and must have the capacity to enter into a contract.
The testator must be at least 18 years old.
The will must be in writing and must be signed by or on behalf of the testator in the presence of two witnesses.
The witnesses must also sign the will in the presence of the testator and each other.
The will must be made without coercion or undue influence.

What can be included in a will

You can specify who you want to inherit your assets.
You can specify how you want your assets to be distributed.
You can appoint guardians for your minor children.
You can create trusts to manage your assets for the benefit of designated beneficiaries.
You can specify your wishes for your funeral and burial.

Benefits of having a will

It ensures that your wishes are carried out after your death.
It protects your loved ones from legal and financial burdens.
It can help minimise taxes.
It can help plan for your incapacity.

Drawbacks of not having a will

Your assets will be distributed according to the laws of intestacy, which may not reflect your wishes.

Your loved ones may have to go through a lengthy and expensive probate process.
Your assets may be subject to more taxes.
There may be no one to make decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated.

A will is an important document that can help you ensure that your wishes are carried out after your death. It is important to consult with an estate planning attorney to discuss your specific needs and goals and to ensure that your will is properly prepared and executed.

Life cycle: 5 segments of being alive

What is a deed of gift?

In Trinidad and Tobago, a deed of gift is a legal document that is used to transfer ownership of property or other assets from one person to another without receiving any payment in return. The process of transferring ownership of property or assets through a deed of gift is known as gifting.

Exemptions from inheritance tax and prenups

Deeds of gift are exempt from inheritance tax in Trinidad and Tobago. This means that the recipient of a gift will not have to pay any inheritance tax on the value of the gift. However, the donor of the gift may have to pay stamp duty on the value of the gift. The amount of stamp duty payable is calculated as a percentage of the value of the gift.

A prenuptial agreement, also known as a prenup, is a legal agreement that is entered into by a couple before they get married. It outlines the division of property and assets in the event of a divorce or death. In Trinidad and Tobago, a prenuptial agreement is not legally binding, but it can be used as evidence in court proceedings.

Requirements for a valid deed of gift

In order to be valid, a deed of gift must meet certain requirements. These requirements include:

The donor must be of sound mind and must have the capacity to enter into a contract.
The donor must have the legal right to transfer the property or assets being gifted.
The gift must be freely given and without any expectation of payment or other consideration.
The deed of gift must be in writing and must be signed and sealed by the donor.
The deed of gift must be registered with the Registrar General of Deeds.

Benefits of a deed of gift

There are a number of benefits to using a deed of gift to transfer property or other assets. These benefits include:

It is a simple and inexpensive way to transfer property or other assets.
It allows the donor to retain control of the property or assets until they are ready to transfer them.
It can be used to avoid probate, which can be a lengthy and expensive process.

Drawbacks of a deed of gift

There are also a few drawbacks to using a deed of gift. These drawbacks include:

The donor cannot revoke the gift once it has been made.
The gift may be subject to stamp duty.
The gift may be subject to capital gains tax if the donor has owned the property or assets for less than one year.

A deed of gift can be a useful tool for transferring property or other assets to another person. However, it is important to understand the requirements for a valid deed of gift and the benefits and drawbacks of using a deed of gift before making a decision to use one.

It is advisable to consult with an attorney to discuss your specific circumstances and to ensure that the deed of gift is properly prepared and executed.

Get Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+, all with ads, for $14.99/mo.

What is stamp duty?

Stamp duty is a tax levied on the transfer of property or other assets in Trinidad and Tobago. The rate of stamp duty is calculated as a percentage of the value of the property or assets being transferred.

Types of stamp duty

There are two main types of stamp duty in Trinidad and Tobago:

Ad valorem stamp duty is calculated as a percentage of the value of the property or assets being transferred.
Fixed stamp duty is a fixed amount of money that is payable regardless of the value of the property or assets being transferred.

Ad valorem stamp duty

The rate of ad valorem stamp duty varies depending on the type of property or assets being transferred. For example, the rate of ad valorem stamp duty for the transfer of land is 12.5%, while the rate of ad valorem stamp duty for the transfer of shares is 1%.

Fixed stamp duty

The amount of fixed stamp duty payable also varies depending on the type of property or assets being transferred. For example, the amount of fixed stamp duty payable for the transfer of a deed is TT$25, while the amount of fixed stamp duty payable for the transfer of a power of attorney is TT$10.

Calculating stamp duty

The amount of stamp duty payable is calculated by multiplying the rate of stamp duty by the value of the property or assets being transferred. For example, if the value of a property is TT$100,000, the amount of ad valorem stamp duty payable would be TT$12,500.

Paying stamp duty

Stamp duty can be paid in person at a tax office or online. Payment must be made before the property or assets can be transferred.

Exemptions from stamp duty

There are a few exemptions from stamp duty in Trinidad and Tobago. For example, stamp duty is not payable on the transfer of property between spouses.

Impact of stamp duty

Stamp duty can be a significant cost when transferring property or other assets in Trinidad and Tobago. It is important to factor in the cost of stamp duty when making a decision to transfer property or other assets.

Stamp duty is a complex area of law and the specific rates and exemptions that apply will depend on the specific circumstances of the transfer. Individuals should consult with a qualified tax advisor to discuss their specific needs and goals.

Get the legal help you need, with our DIY services or attorney advice. Either way, we’ve got your back.

Business Information

Wills and Trusts

Intellectual Property

What is a living trust?

A living trust is a legal arrangement that allows you to transfer ownership of assets to a trustee who will manage the assets for the benefit of designated beneficiaries. Living trusts can be used for a variety of purposes, including:

Estate planning: Living trusts can be used to avoid probate, which is the legal process of distributing a deceased person’s assets. They can also be used to protect assets from creditors and to ensure that assets are distributed according to the grantor’s wishes.
Asset protection: Living trusts can be used to protect assets from creditors, lawsuits, and divorce.
Disability planning: Living trusts can be used to plan for the grantor’s incapacity. They can specify who will make decisions on the grantor’s behalf if they become incapacitated.
Tax planning: Living trusts can be used to minimize taxes. For example, they can be used to shield assets from income tax and estate tax.

Types of living trusts in Trinidad and Tobago

There are two main types of living trusts in Trinidad and Tobago:

Revocable living trusts: Revocable living trusts can be changed or revoked at any time by the grantor.
Irrevocable living trusts: Irrevocable living trusts cannot be changed or revoked by the grantor after they have been created.

Benefits of living trusts in Trinidad and Tobago

There are a number of benefits to using living trusts in Trinidad and Tobago. These benefits include:

They can help to avoid probate.
They can protect assets from creditors and lawsuits.
They can ensure that assets are distributed according to the grantor’s wishes.
They can be used to plan for the grantor’s incapacity.
They can be used to minimize taxes.

Drawbacks of living trusts in Trinidad and Tobago

There are a few drawbacks to using living trusts in Trinidad and Tobago. These drawbacks include:

They can be more expensive to create and maintain than wills.
They can be more complex to manage than wills.
They may not be appropriate for everyone.

Living trusts can be a valuable tool for estate planning, asset protection, disability planning, and tax planning. However, they are not appropriate for everyone. It is important to consult with an estate planning attorney to discuss your specific needs and goals and to determine whether a living trust is right for you.

310711884 10161954727166521 5061906918534107379 n.jpg?stp=dst jpg p180x540& nc cat=108&ccb=1 7& nc sid=783fdb& nc ohc=X9o1ssyqUUUAX 2L8qQ& nc oc=AQngzUZUy7Ij7O1apIqanW YTN1chwMeSGDznXmgX5rIiGrqvHZRqVkWUcL28K3a6IzTNNbs27KhgSSGeRMbUxk7& nc ht=scontent.fpos1 1

TaxAct – Tax Preparation

Your max refund is waiting. Filing is simple with our step-by-step guidance from start to e-file.

Summary of tax implications

A summary of the tax implications in Trinidad and Tobago of wills, deeds of gift, and living trusts:

Will

There is no inheritance tax in Trinidad and Tobago, so there are no tax implications for transferring assets through a will.
However, the deceased’s estate may be subject to capital gains tax on the sale of assets that have appreciated in value.

Deed of gift

The donor of a gift may be subject to gift tax if the value of the gift exceeds the annual gift tax exemption. The annual gift tax exemption is TT$50,000.
The recipient of a gift is not subject to any taxes.

Living trust

The grantor of a living trust may be subject to gift tax if the value of the assets transferred to the trust exceeds the annual gift tax exemption.
The assets in a living trust are not subject to capital gains tax when they are sold.
However, the income earned by the assets in a living trust is subject to income tax.

Please note that this is a general overview of the tax implications of wills, deeds of gift, and living trusts in Trinidad and Tobago. It is important to consult with a tax advisor to discuss your specific circumstances and to determine the tax implications of your estate planning decisions.

Here are some additional points to consider:

The tax implications of estate planning documents can change over time, so it is important to review your estate plan regularly.
The tax implications of estate planning documents can vary depending on your individual circumstances, such as your residency status and the type of assets you own.
If you are considering using a living trust, it is important to work with an experienced estate planning attorney to ensure that the trust is properly drafted and executed.

Conclusion

Estate planning is a comprehensive process that involves legal, financial, and healthcare considerations. It is a proactive measure that provides individuals with the opportunity to shape their legacy, protect their loved ones, and ensure their assets are distributed according to their wishes.

Sources