Strategic Use of Trusts in Tax and Estate Planning, 4th Edition

The Definitive Book for Accountants, Tax Advisors, and Estate Planning Professionals.

In the world of tax and estate planning, taxation of trusts is one of the most intricate and unforgiving domains. Precision matters, assumptions can be costly, and real world answers rarely come from legislation alone. 

Since the previous edition, the taxation of trusts has evolved significantly. Trust litigation is on the rise, tax authorities are increasingly scrutinizing trust structures, and practitioners face growing technical and compliance challenges.

A Book that bridges the gap between theory and practice. 

This book offers a rare blend of deep technical expertise and practical, real world insight. It provides comprehensive and concise coverage of the practical strategies and techniques required to use trusts effectively in today’s tax and estate planning environment. The author shows how tax rules truly operate, how they interact with trust deeds, and how small drafting choices can shape long term outcomes.

Here is Why This Book Belongs on Your Desk

• A Complete Exploration of Trusts — From Fundamentals to Advanced Planning
  The book opens with a deep dive into the nature of trusts under both common law and Québec civil law, ensuring professionals in all provinces can navigate the nuances with precision.
• Practical Tax Frameworks You Can Apply Immediately
  Understand residency, types of trusts, filing obligations, attribution rules, TOSI, GREs, QDTs, and the 21 year deemed disposition — all explained with the level of detail tax practitioners require.
• Real World Planning Strategies
  From testamentary spousal trusts to education trusts, Henson trusts, asset protection trusts, insurance based planning, estate freezes, and post mortem tax strategies, the book provides actionable guidance supported by legislative references, technical interpretations, and case law.
• Designed for Complex Client Situations
  Blended families, disabled beneficiaries, multiple trusts, intergenerational wealth transfers, trusts with foreign connections  — the text addresses the scenarios accountants face every day.
• A Roadmap for Avoiding Tax Traps
  Entire chapters are dedicated to the most common pitfalls:
  • Personal and corporate attribution rules
  • Subsection 75(2)
  • Deemed interest rules
  • TOSI
  • Mandatory disclosure
  • Rectification issues
• Estate Freeze Expertise: Few resources offer such a thorough treatment of freezes, refreezes, thawing strategies, valuation issues, and multiplication of the capital gains exemption. This book does.

Whether you are a specialist in trusts or a practitioner seeking clear, in-depth guidance on specific issues, this new edition offers a rigorous, practical, and up-to-date resource for advising clients with confidence.

Download the Table of Contents

Stay ahead of legislative changes, deepen your technical expertise, and provide exceptional value to your clients.