Top-Rated Trust Tax Advisor in the UK
If you manage family wealth, own property, or oversee charitable funds, you already know how complex trust taxation can be. UK trust rules are strict, constantly changing, and filled with hidden obligations. A single reporting error can create unnecessary liabilities or trigger HMRC scrutiny.
At this point, you could do with help from a seasoned trust tax advisor.
At Pearl Lemon Tax, our trust tax advisors have decades of experience guiding trustees, families, and business owners through the entire compliance process, helping you meet every requirement while preserving long-term value. We make trust taxation straightforward, efficient, and transparent so you can focus on managing assets rather than interpreting regulations.
Our Services
Our trust tax advisory covers every aspect of UK trust formation, compliance, and administration. Each service is designed to protect beneficiaries, satisfy HMRC, and ensure tax efficiency without unnecessary risk.
Trust Formation and Structure Planning
Creating a trust begins with choosing the right type and understanding how it will be taxed. The wrong setup can lead to higher charges or limited flexibility.
We advise on structure, purpose, and long-term governance for every new trust.
Our services include:
- Selecting the most suitable structure: discretionary, life interest, or charitable.
- Reviewing settlor and beneficiary relationships for tax implications.
- Registering with the Trust Registration Service (TRS).
- Coordinating with solicitors on legal documentation and deeds.
With proper planning, your trust achieves its intended purpose while maintaining compliance from the start.
Trust Tax Return Preparation and Filing
Annual trust tax returns require accurate income and capital reporting. HMRC penalties for late or incomplete filings are steep.
We prepare and file trust tax returns with precision and clarity.
Our compliance work includes:
- Completing SA900 and associated supplementary pages.
- Allocating income between beneficiaries and trustees correctly.
- Computing trust rate, dividend, and savings income tax charges.
- Submitting returns electronically and managing HMRC correspondence.
You can rely on timely, compliant submissions that reduce the risk of enquiry or delay.
Inheritance Tax (IHT) and Trust Planning
Trusts play a key role in estate planning but are often misunderstood under UK inheritance tax rules. Without planning, unexpected charges may arise every ten years or upon distribution.
We guide clients through every IHT consideration connected to their trust.
Our service covers:
- Reviewing lifetime transfers and chargeable events.
- Calculating entry, periodic, and exit charges.
- Advising on exemptions, reliefs, and mitigation strategies.
- Integrating trust IHT planning into wider estate management.
This ensures wealth passes to future generations efficiently and within the law.
Trust Income Distribution and Beneficiary Taxation
How income is distributed from a trust determines both the trustees’ and beneficiaries’ tax liabilities. Many trustees struggle to calculate or report these correctly.
We manage every aspect of income allocation and distribution.
Our advisory includes:
- Determining net income available for distribution.
- Calculating tax pools and rates applicable to beneficiaries.
- Preparing R185 certificates and beneficiary summaries.
- Coordinating with individual advisers for personal tax alignment.
Accurate distribution management keeps everyone compliant and avoids double taxation across parties.
Capital Gains Tax on Trust Assets
Trustees are responsible for capital gains arising from asset disposals. Managing these properly can significantly reduce future liabilities.
We calculate and plan capital gains tax (CGT) for trusts of all types.
We handle:
- Asset re-basings, disposals, and rollover reliefs.
- Annual exempt amount utilisation and timing strategies.
- Trust-to-beneficiary asset transfers and matching calculations.
- Record keeping and CGT schedule preparation for HMRC.
With the right planning, you maintain transparency while ensuring gains are taxed fairly and efficiently.
Non-Resident and Offshore Trust Advisory
Many UK residents have connections to offshore trusts. These arrangements face intense HMRC scrutiny and complex reporting requirements.
We provide expert guidance on non-resident and offshore trust compliance.
Our services include:
- Analysing UK residence and domicile status for settlors and beneficiaries.
- Reviewing UK-source income and matching rules.
- Advising on reporting obligations under FATCA and CRS.
- Coordinating with overseas advisers for dual-jurisdiction consistency.
Our goal is simple: full compliance with UK law while maintaining legitimate offshore advantages.
Charitable and Purpose Trust Tax Management
Charitable trusts enjoy specific exemptions, but maintaining those benefits requires accurate filings and governance.
We support trustees in managing their charitable obligations responsibly.
Our consulting covers:
- Preparation of Gift Aid and tax exemption claims.
- VAT and business rate relief assessments.
- HMRC and Charity Commission reporting compliance.
- Structuring charitable trading subsidiaries.
Properly managed charitable trusts preserve donor confidence and long-term sustainability.
Trust Reviews and Compliance Health Checks
Regulations evolve quickly, and many older trusts no longer operate efficiently under current tax rules. Regular reviews help identify issues before HMRC does.
We conduct full trust compliance health checks for peace of mind.
Our reviews involve:
- Examining trust deeds for tax exposure or redundancy.
- Checking TRS registration and data accuracy.
- Analysing IHT, CGT, and income tax compliance over recent years.
- Recommending amendments or restructuring as needed.
Periodic reviews keep your trust transparent, compliant, and aligned with its purpose.
Why Choose Us
Our team understands that trust taxation is both technical and personal. We focus on precision, discretion, and clear communication with trustees, beneficiaries, and advisers alike. Every engagement starts with a detailed review so that nothing is left to assumption.
We’ve supported private clients, family offices, legal firms, and charitable bodies across the UK. Our trust tax advisors bring practical experience, rigorous compliance knowledge, and direct communication, ensuring that every decision is backed by sound tax understanding.
Industry Statistics That Matter
- More than 200,000 trusts are registered with HMRC through the Trust Registration Service.
- Over 30% of UK trusts are now subject to regular HMRC compliance reviews.
- Inheritance tax receipts surpassed £7 billion last year, the highest on record.
- Around 40% of existing trusts require amendments due to regulatory updates.
- Properly managed trust structures can reduce long-term IHT exposure by up to 40%.
Frequently Asked Questions
We manage all aspects of trust taxation, including income, capital gains, and inheritance tax reporting, while advising on long-term structure and compliance.
We handle both. We assist with new trust creation, registration, and planning, as well as reviewing or restructuring existing arrangements.
Yes. We prepare and submit all required trust returns, liaising directly with HMRC to ensure timely compliance.
Absolutely. We calculate periodic and exit charges and integrate them into broader estate strategies.
We analyse cross-border rules, manage UK reporting, and coordinate with international advisers to meet all obligations.
Partner with UK Trust Tax Advisors Who Understand Compliance
Trusts are powerful financial tools, but they demand careful management to remain compliant and effective. Our advisors bring the technical skill and practical understanding required to keep your trust operating smoothly while protecting your assets and beneficiaries.
