for financial advisers only

Tax and Trusts frequently asked questions

Q1For an insurance bond in trust, on whom is a chargeable gain assessed on?

In general terms, for trusts other than absolute trusts, the settlor if he/she if alive and UK resident. If not, the trustees if at least one trustee is UK resident. If not the beneficiary. If it’s an absolute trust then HMRC’s view is that it is assessed on the beneficiary. For a parental settlement, all the previous rules are over-ridden and it would be the parent unless the beneficiary is either over 18 or married or in a Civil Partnership.

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Q2Does the 5% tax deferred income payment from a bond qualify as ‘income’ in the ‘gifts out of normal income’ exemption?

No the payment is classified as a return of capital.

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Q3Can a Power of Attorney sign the health declaration investment applications where additional life cover or benefits are available?

No, it must be signed by the donor themselves. If the donor is unable to agree due to mental incapacity then Skandia is unable to accept a proposal for extra life cover.

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Q4When will Skandia accept applications from a Power of Attorney?

When the client is mentally unfit or physically unable to apply themselves.

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Q5Will Skandia allow payment to a Power of Attorney?

No, payment will only be made to an account in the client's name (for which the attorney may also be managing).

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Q6What are the certification requirements for a copy of a Power of Attorney?

They must be certified by a solicitor or notary and not a financial adviser.

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Q7Is income tax due on reinvested income or accumulation units where the investor does not actually receive the income?

Yes, income tax is due but the client will receive a tax voucher in both instances which can then be used to assist in completing a tax return.

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Q8Who can Skandia pay when a plan is written in trust?

The trustees will be paid (into a designated trustee bank account) with no limit. On request from the trustees and proof of the beneficiary’s entitlement, Skandia would pay a beneficiary(ies) subject to an overall maximum of all such payments of £50,000 in any 12 month period. In the case of absolute trusts, however, where we have received proof of absolute entitlement, Skandia will pay full entitlement to the beneficiary.

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Q9Who will Skandia accept money from when topping up a bond written in a gift trust?

(1) The settlor of the trust or (2) the trustees provided that the money comes from a trustee bank account or other existing investment held by the trustees.

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