The Government is going ahead with its threat to put a 33% tax on the distribution by trusts to beneficiaries under 16
years.
The bill on this is expected to be in place from the start of the 2001-2002 income year. It is having its 1st reading
today.
This is another "consequential" from the extra 6 cents tax put in place last December.
The bill only applies to trusts where a settlor is a relative of the beneficiary. Anyone over 16 years old is now out of
this net because of the Human Rights Act .
The odd effect of this legislation is that it encourages people to give money to children directly , rather than using a
Trust. This is because money in bank accounts (and the withdrawal of interest) is completely outside the punitive
regime.
Surely the government realises that there are good non-tax reasons for preferring to use a trust?
Annabel Young MP National Party Spokesperson on Revenue National Party List MP responsible for Wellington Central and
Rongotai Do you want to be added to my tax email group? Have a look at my tax web-site http://www.tax.org.nz