Business Registration
Fixed Unit Trust setup
Structure, fees and process
Fees
Fixed Unit Trust setup fees by state
Stamp duty rules differ between states, so the establishment cost can vary.
The fees below are one-off setup fees and include applicable stamp duty, our service fee and GST.
Printed binding with three trust deed copies can be arranged for an additional $175.
Our fees are fixed and clearly stated.
Accountant support
Handled by accountants familiar with Fixed Unit Trusts and tax compliance
Tax Way Accountants helps partners, family investment projects and small businesses establish Fixed Unit Trusts, apply for tax registrations and organise ongoing accounting and tax compliance.
- CPA accountant support
- Registered Tax Agent
- NTAA member
- Mandarin and English service
- Fixed fee
Process
Confirm units and ownership percentages first, then arrange documents and tax registrations
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01
Confirm whether a Fixed Unit Trust is suitable
We consider fixed entitlement needs, contribution arrangements and whether tax outcomes are suitable.
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02
Confirm trustee and unit holder details
The trustee can be an individual or company. Unit holders can be individuals, companies or family trusts.
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03
Confirm unit numbers, price and ownership percentages
A common default is 300 units at $1 per unit. Special percentages should be confirmed before documents are prepared.
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04
Prepare the Trust Deed
Our cooperating lawyer prepares the electronic trust deed and related documents based on the state and key roles.
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05
Tax registrations
We register TFN, ABN, GST and PAYG withholding where required based on the business activity.
Records to prepare
Prepare these records before we start
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1
Trust name
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2
State, registered office and postal address
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3
Trustee details
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4
Unit holder details
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5
Number of units, unit price and ownership percentages
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6
Business or investment purpose
After completion
After the Fixed Unit Trust is established, you receive trust documents and setup support
Electronic trust documents
- Trust deed prepared by a lawyer
- Stamp duty record where applicable
- Trustee minutes
- Initial unit holder and unit records
Further setup we can assist with
- Trust TFN application
- ABN application
- GST registration where needed
- PAYG withholding registration where needed
Before you start
Common pitfalls that can delay lodgement or setup
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1
Ownership percentages should be clear from the start
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2
Exit and transfer arrangements should not be left vague
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3
Annual trust tax lodgements are usually required
Fixed Unit Trust FAQs
How is a Fixed Unit Trust different from a family trust?
A Fixed Unit Trust usually allocates entitlements by fixed units, while a family trust is usually discretionary within a family group.
Can a family trust hold units?
Yes. Each family can sometimes hold units through its own family trust, but the structure and signing authority should be checked carefully.
Does a Fixed Unit Trust need annual tax returns?
Usually yes. The trust generally needs annual lodgement and distribution records.
Next step
Ready to proceed? Send the documents first so we can confirm the scope
Please send the information listed in the checklist to simon.wang@taxway.com.au. If some records are missing, you can still send what you have first. We will confirm the gaps, scope and next steps.
Keep reading
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If you are still comparing structures, GST, ATO/ASIC compliance or ongoing tax obligations, these notes may help.
