Estate Planning

International Business Companies

Trusts

Foundations

The term "estate planning" broadly refers to the manner in which one organizes the components of an estate in order to manage the income derived from it. Our objective is to maximize the value of a person’s estate assets and to minimize the amount paid in taxes. Without an estate plan, the "deemed disposition" can trigger an extensive tax bill, which may force beneficiaries to liquidate assets in order to satisfy any outstanding government debt. Although the offshore alternative is a very popular mechanism for traditionally reducing taxes, one must carefully assess the implications of forced inheritance provisions as indicated by law in the country of residence. Our experience with various regulations and formalities in many of the world’s jurisdictions can assist to structure one’s estate appropriately.

The creation of an International Business Company (IBC) is dictated by our client’s specific requirements and by the nature of their personal or corporate mandate. Our approach is to diligently investigate all the beneficial aspects and advantages as related to the client’s inquiry in order to determine the best possible jurisdiction of an offshore corporate vehicle. The exact details as to the rights, obligations, method of constitution, filing requirements, fees and taxes payable, as well as other aspects of corporate existence differs from country to country. Degrees of secrecy, minimization of set-up and annual fees, share structure, residency requirements, capitalization levels, exchange controls, tax implications, and reporting requirements are just some of the issues to be considered.

Our methods of evaluation provide to the customer the best possible characteristics when determining the appropriate location of incorporation. It is however important to note that not all of the best characteristics of company incorporations are available from any one jurisdiction which is why it is our business to prioritize and rank those characteristics that best suit our client’s needs.

General IBC Structure

Trusts

Representation of the best legal relationship between settlor, beneficiaries, and trustee(s) is of paramount importance at Johnson & Associates when creating a trust vehicle. In our view, trusts are created for any purpose, which does not offend public policy, and are only limited by the formalities of the jurisdiction in which they are formed. Before creating any trust, our priority is to discuss with the settlor the exact manner in which they wish to plan and operate the execution of their intentions while keeping in mind any restrictions which may exist in any one jurisdiction. Issues such as trust appointee(s), trustee’s powers, residence of the trust, a protector, trustee discretion, revocability of the trust, and secrecy are given high consideration by our professional staff and affiliated members.

General Trust Structure

Foundations are usually created with the purpose of managing, preserving, administering or investing assets for the benefit of the beneficiaries and/or third parties as well as to obtain confidentiality and fiscal advantages. Our professionals give high considerations to the establishment of the Foundation Charter, the Foundation Purpose, selection of the Foundation Council, any additional services required by the Foundation itself.

General Private Foundation Structure