Trusts
Optimise your trust structure's tax efficiency and compliance through specialised expertise in discretionary, unit, and family trust management.
Trusts Tax
Trust Tax Complexity is Undermining Your Wealth Protection Strategy
Trust taxation involves intricate rules around income distribution, beneficiary entitlements, and trustee responsibilities that create significant compliance risks and potential tax penalties. The complexity multiplies when trusts hold various asset types, operate businesses, or have beneficiaries in different tax brackets.
Without proper tax planning, trusts often fail to achieve their intended tax benefits, instead becoming expensive structures that create unnecessary administrative burdens. Inappropriate distributions or timing errors can trigger punitive tax consequences that erode the wealth protection benefits trusts were designed to provide.
The interaction between trust tax laws and other areas like capital gains, land tax, and stamp duty creates potential traps that require specialized knowledge to navigate effectively.
Let us handle your taxes — so you can focus on what matters most to you.
Trusts Tax
Tax And Business Accounting Melbourne
At Keystone Taxation and Business Advisors, we work with startups, small businesses, SMEs, sole traders, partnerships, companies, and trusts to deliver a full range of accounting services.
We provide bookkeeping, payroll, tax compliance, BAS reporting, GST and PAYG, IAS lodgements, superannuation, and more to help businesses grow and succeed.
Our team specialises in cash flow management, using advanced cloud-based software for real-time financial reporting, so you always have a clear view of your finances to make informed business decisions.
Cloud-Based Accounting
If you use Xero or QuickBooks, we can review your setup regularly to maximise its benefits and provide actionable recommendations.
Management & Reporting
We help manage budgets, staff, and resources to keep your operations effective and efficient.
Compliance
We ensure compliance with ATO and ASIC regulations on corporate tax, fringe benefits tax, and GST, while preparing financial statements and annual accounts.
Trusts Tax
Maximize Your Trust's Tax Advantages with Expert Structure Management
Our trust specialists ensure your structure operates at peak tax efficiency whilst maintaining compliance with all regulatory requirements. We optimise distribution strategies, manage beneficiary entitlements, and coordinate with your overall wealth planning to achieve maximum tax benefits.
With professional trust tax management, your structure delivers the intended tax advantages and asset protection benefits whilst minimising compliance costs and administrative complexity.
Let’s Build Your Financial Future — Together
Whether you're an individual needing tax support or a business ready to scale, Keystone is here to guide you every step of the way.
Frequently asked questions
Got Questions? We've Got Answers
Have a question? We’ve answered some of the most common ones below.
What types of trusts can you help with?
We manage all trust types including discretionary (family) trusts, unit trusts, hybrid trusts, and testamentary trusts, each requiring different tax strategies and compliance approaches.
How do trust distributions affect beneficiary tax positions?
Trust distributions are generally taxable to beneficiaries at their marginal rates. We optimise distribution strategies to minimise the overall family tax burden whilst respecting trust deed requirements.
Can trusts claim business deductions?
Yes, trusts operating businesses can claim legitimate business deductions. We ensure proper documentation and allocation of expenses between business and private activities.
What's the trust tax rate on undistributed income?
Undistributed trust income is generally taxed at the top marginal rate (47% including Medicare Levy). We plan distributions to avoid this penalty rate where possible.
How do capital gains work in trust structures
Trusts can distribute capital gains to beneficiaries who may be eligible for CGT concessions. We structure disposals and distributions to optimise overall capital gains tax outcomes.
Ready to Get Started?
Start Your Journey to Better Finances Today.
Contact Keystone Taxation and Business Advisors to speak with an experienced Melbourne accountant. From personal tax to business accounting, we’re here to give you clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.
