Business structures, set up properly from day one
The structure you trade through affects your tax, your asset protection, who controls the business and how easily you can sell it. We set up and document structures that match your plans, and work alongside your accountant on the tax.
Our principal started his career in PwC's high-net-worth tax team, so we understand the tax side of the conversation.
What we set up
- Proprietary companies: constitutions, share classes and the first resolutions
- Discretionary (family) trusts, including appointors and succession of control
- Unit trusts for unrelated parties investing together
- Corporate trustees
- Holding structures that keep valuable assets away from trading risk
Restructuring an existing business
- Moving from a sole trader or partnership to a company
- Bringing in a new owner or investor
- Separating property from the trading business
- Getting ready for a sale
Moving assets between entities can trigger capital gains tax and stamp duty, so we plan the steps with your accountant before anything moves.
Keeping your structure in order
- Reviewing and updating old trust deeds
- Changing trustees or appointors
- Share issues, share transfers and director changes
- Planning who controls your trusts and companies after you die
Frequently asked questions
Company or trust? It depends on tax, asset protection and your plans, and many businesses use both, with a company as trustee of a trust. We explain the legal trade-offs; your accountant models the tax.
Can't I just set one up online? You can register a company online. Template constitutions and trust deeds often don't fit what you need, such as different share classes or who takes control of a trust later.
Do trust assets form part of my estate? Generally not. The trustee holds them, so who controls the trust after you die depends on the trust deed, not your Will.
Will you work with my accountant? Yes. Most structuring work goes best when we and your accountant agree the plan together.
Talk to us about your structure
Call (02) 9166 3716 or send us an enquiry.
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