How ‘fixed’ are your clients’ unit trusts and what are the possible ramifications for misclassifying?
There is a misconception that all unit trusts are fixed trusts. Perhaps it is because a beneficiary’s income and capital entitlements are based on their unitholdings rather than being dependent on the trustee discretion to appoint income/capital. The tax ramifications for misclassifying a unit trust as ‘fixed’ could in certain circumstances be detrimental. This article seeks to highlight potential implications for misclassification.