Structuring Success | Tax and Business Blogs by EAZTAXBIZ

  Succession Planning Through HUF vs Family Trust: A Comparative Insight In an era where financial prudence and legacy planning have become critical, choosing the right vehicle for succession planning is essential. For Indian families, particularly those with substantial assets or business interests, two prominent structures often come into play — the Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) and the Family Trust . While both frameworks aim to preserve wealth and ensure its seamless transfer across generations, they differ significantly in structure, legal basis, flexibility, and control. This blog explores the nuances of each to help individuals and families make informed choices aligned with their succession goals. 🔍 Understanding the Basics What is an HUF? An HUF is a unique legal entity recognized under Hindu law, comprising all persons lineally descended from a common ancestor. It includes the Karta (head of the family), coparceners (with a right to demand partition), and other me...

Family Trusts in India: A Smart Tool for Succession Planning and Tax Efficiency Introduction A Family Trust is a powerful legal and financial arrangement where a person (the Settlor) transfers assets to a Trust, which is then managed by one or more Trustees for the benefit of designated Beneficiaries. In India, family trusts are increasingly becoming popular tools for succession planning, asset protection, and long-term wealth management. What is a Family Trust? A Family Trust, also known as a private discretionary trust, is typically created for the benefit of family members. The primary objectives include: Controlled and phased distribution of assets Mitigating family disputes Smooth estate and succession planning Protecting assets from creditors or legal claims Key Components of a Family Trust Role Description Settlor Person who creates the trust and contributes the initial assets Trustees Individuals who manage the trust and its assets per the deed Beneficiaries Family members (o...

Declaring Foreign Assets in Indian Income Tax Returns: Why It’s Crucial for Residents In an increasingly globalized world, it's not uncommon for Indian residents to hold foreign bank accounts, invest in overseas stocks, or own property abroad.  While such holdings are legal, failing to disclose them in your Indian Income Tax Return (ITR) can lead to severe penalties and legal complications under the Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015 . Let’s dive into why declaring foreign assets is important for Indian residents, when it becomes mandatory, and the consequences of non-compliance. 📌 Who Needs to Declare Foreign Assets in India? Any individual classified as a "Resident and Ordinarily Resident" (ROR) under the Indian Income Tax Act is required to disclose foreign assets and foreign income in their ITR, irrespective of whether the income is taxable or not. ✅ If you are an NRI or a Resident but Not Ordinarily Resident...

  Gold at ₹1,00,000: Selling Gold? Understand Tax Rules Before and After FY 2025  As gold prices reach an unprecedented ₹1,00,000 per 10 grams, many investors and households are evaluating the right time to liquidate their holdings. Whether it’s jewellery, bars, or digital gold, understanding the capital gains tax implications is critical—especially with significant tax changes taking effect from FY 2025–26 . This guide outlines how gold gains are taxed under current rules and what changes are expected from April 1, 2025. It also includes practical tax-saving tips and considerations for non-resident Indians (NRIs). Capital Gains Tax on Gold: A Comparison Between FY 2024–25 and FY 2025–26 1. Taxation in FY 2024–25 (Up to March 31, 2025) Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG): Applicable if gold is held for less than 36 months . Gains are added to your total income and taxed as per your individual tax slab. Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG): If gold is held for more than 36 m...