[ONLINE] Trusts, Taxation and VAT: Key Principles, Pitfalls and Planning Opportunities – 08 & 13 October

Trusts are increasingly used in estate planning, asset protection, and international structuring, but their tax and VAT treatment can be complex and misunderstood.

Join this practical short course where we will explore the tax and VAT implications of trusts, focusing on how they are treated from a tax and VAT perspective, common pitfalls, and planning opportunities.

Whether you are a tax/VAT advisor, accountant, lawyer, notary public or financial professional, this session will provide valuable insights into the taxation and VAT of trusts and how to navigate key issues.

Instructed by: Dr Jeanette Calleja Borg & Kenneth Cremona. in: Uncategorized

Seminar Description

Trusts are increasingly used in estate planning, asset protection, and international structuring, but their tax and VAT treatment can be complex and misunderstood.

Join this practical short course where we will explore the tax and VAT implications of trusts, focusing on how they are treated from a tax and VAT perspective, common pitfalls, and planning opportunities.

Whether you are a tax/VAT advisor, accountant, lawyer, notary public or financial professional, this session will provide valuable insights into the taxation and VAT of trusts and how to navigate key issues.

 Session 1:  Tax Perspective (8 Oct)

Trusts remain one of the most widely used legal structures for wealth management, estate planning, and asset protection. However, from a tax standpoint, trusts can raise complex issues regarding income attribution, taxation of distributions, and reporting obligations.

This webinar will provide a clear and practical overview of the taxation of trusts, helping professionals understand how trusts are treated for tax purposes and the implications for settlors, trustees, and beneficiaries.

The session will explore the fundamental tax principles governing trusts, including how income is taxed within a trust, when beneficiaries may become liable for tax, and how distributions are treated.

Participants will also gain insight into common planning opportunities and potential pitfalls, supported by practical examples and case studies drawn from real-world scenarios.

By the end of the session, attendees will have a stronger understanding of the tax framework surrounding trusts and the considerations professionals should keep in mind when advising clients.

Session 2:  VAT Perspective (13 Oct)

This course provides a focused and practical analysis of the VAT implications arising in the context of trusts and similar fiduciary arrangements under Maltese and EU VAT law. While trusts are often perceived as passive asset‑holding structures, their VAT treatment depends heavily on the nature of the activities carried out and the role assumed by trustees or administrators.

The session explores when trusts and trustees fall outside the scope of VAT and when their activities may constitute an economic activity giving rise to VAT registration and compliance obligations. Particular attention is given to the distinction between fiduciary duties performed under a trust deed and activities that go beyond such duties, including the commercial exploitation of trust assets.

The course also considers recent Maltese administrative guidance and relevant EU principles, illustrating how VAT applies in practice through examples commonly encountered in advisory and compliance work.

Key Topics Covered:

• VAT status of trusts and foundations
• Distinction between fiduciary activity and economic activity
• VAT treatment of trustee and administrator remuneration
• Circumstances triggering VAT registration obligations
• Input VAT recovery limitations and risks
• Interaction between Maltese VAT legislation and EU VAT principles
• Practical examples and common pitfalls in practice

CPE

Qualifies for 4 CPE Core hours

Course Fee

The course fee is €120 for Non-Members €110 for Members. The fee covers seminar participation and access to event resources. Login details will be provided closer to the date.

A receipt will be issued to all participants.

Event Resources

Participants will receive the event resources by email.

Additional Information

For more information, kindly use the following communication mediums:

T: 21 58 53 74   M: 77 01 17 19   E: info@skillsmalta.com      Webpage: www.skillsmalta.com