Inheritance Tax Planning
One generation to the next.
Who gets What?
If you’re living abroad, you will likely have accumulated assets in various jurisdictions throughout your lifetime. When you pass away, things are likely to get very complicated and costly for your loved ones if there have been no plans or preparations made to pass on your assets. Estate planning is vital for foreign residents in Japan, where inheritance taxes are high, and Wills and Trusts‘ treatment is different compared to other countries.
Having a structured and legally recognized estate plan will allow you to organize and decide how your wealth will be distributed when you pass away. It will also remove unnecessary emotional stress and financial burden from your loved ones.
Our Advice
Talking with one of our advisors will give you a better understanding of what makes the most sense for you and your family, whether it is a local Will, an international Will, a Trust, a Foundation, or all of the above. We can provide the advice and expertise you need to ensure that your assets are distributed to your children, surviving spouse, and grandchildren in a way that reduces taxes as well as time and expense for your family.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a will or a trust?
In many ways a trust acts in the same way as a will, however it is very difficult to successfully contest the wishes expressed in a trust when the creator of the trust passes away. Depending on your circumstances and accounts there are simple trusts which can be set up for you whatever the value of your holdings.
When should I start thinking about estate planning?
People need to start thinking about estate planning when they have dependents that rely on them financially. The more assets and wealth you accumulate, the more important this becomes. If you are a high net worth individual with dependents, this should be an integral part of your overall financial planning strategy.
Can I consolidate my international assets through a company?
Yes you can, although this only makes sense for clients whose assets are valued in excess of a million dollars. These are structures that would be ideal for high net worth individuals. We can advise and design structures for you depending on your personal circumstances.
What can I do about Inheritance Tax (IHT)?
This really depends on where you live, where your assets are based, your nationality and the overall value of your personal holdings. In most countries such as the US, UK and Japan there is a tax free IHT allowance of up to five hundred thousand dollars. As we advise on IHT planning case by case the best thing would be to contact us directly for more info.
Can you help with Inheritance Tax Planning in Japan?
Yes, however you would need to speak with one of our estate planning specialists for more details on this.