1. Next Generation Transfer and Business Exit Strategies
Options to transferring real estate to the next generation with focus upon business assets, cottages, U.S. properties.
Assessment of best tax structured transfers.
Sale of a business, shares/assets, keep within the family, with or with-out control, estate freeze possibilities.
Tax free distributions of corporate money.
Business contingency planning - death, disability, succession, marriage breakdown, emergency plan.
On-going support to family members, difficult family circumstances.
2. Tax Minimization Strategies
Tax on income, capital gains, registered plans, TFSA, probate fees, executor's compensation
Canadian minimization strategies
Exemptions
Gifts during lifetime
Joint title to assets
Beneficiary designations
Contingent owner life insurance
Tax deferred roll-overs (spouse, spouse trust, alter ego trust, joint partner trust, capital beneficiaries of trust)
Estate freezes (Holdco or family trust - maintain voting control)
Cross Border Issues
Consider "U.S. property"
Consider "U.S. person" - time spent in the United States
Next generation transfers - beneficial interests
Estate tax (state and federal)
Capital gains tax (state and federal)
Gift tax (state and federal)
Generation Skipping Tax (state and federal)
Stamp tax
Exemptions
3. Creditor Protection strategies
Guidance in preventative opportunities (in non-insolvency circumstances) to protect against creditors and law suits.
Protection against adverse consequences of marriage including pre-nuptial agreements, matrimonial home options, discretionary trusts and specialized mortgage financing.