Many investors wonder if offshore trusts are still effective under CRS — and the answer is yes, but with limitations.
While they no longer provide full secrecy, a well-structured and CRS-compliant offshore trust can still deliver strong asset protection, tax efficiency, and succession planning benefits.
This article covers:
- What information is reportable under CRS?
- What is the purpose of CRS reporting?
- What are the tax implications of an offshore trust?
- Are offshore trusts worth it after CRS?
- What are non-reportable accounts under CRS?
Key Takeaways:
- Offshore trusts are still effective when structured transparently and for legitimate purposes.
- CRS requires financial institutions, including certain trusts, to report beneficiaries’ tax info.
- Some jurisdictions and trust types remain outside CRS or offer limited reporting.
- Professional tax planning is crucial to avoid double taxation or compliance issues.
My contact details are hello@adamfayed.com and WhatsApp +44-7393-450-837 if you have any questions.
The information in this article is for general guidance only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice, and is not a recommendation or solicitation to invest. Some facts may have changed since the time of writing.
What Is the Common Reporting Standard (CRS)?
The Common Reporting Standard (CRS) is a global framework developed by the OECD for the automatic exchange of financial information between participating countries.
Under CRS, financial institutions including certain offshore trusts must report details about account holders, settlors, and beneficiaries to tax authorities, who then share this information internationally.
Its goal is to prevent tax evasion and increase transparency in cross-border wealth management.
Do You Pay Tax on Offshore Trusts?
Yes. Offshore trusts are not automatically tax-free.
Whether you pay tax on offshore trusts depends on your tax residency and the trust’s structure.
For instance, beneficiaries who are tax residents in CRS-participating countries must declare distributions as taxable income, even if received from an offshore jurisdiction.
Some countries also impose reporting requirements on settlors or beneficiaries who have control or benefit from a foreign trust.
What Are the Tax Consequences of a Foreign Trust?
Foreign trusts are typically subject to income tax on beneficiary distributions, capital gains tax when assets are sold, and inheritance or gift tax for estate planning transfers.
Many trusts reduce or eliminate double taxation through tax treaties or by operating in low-tax jurisdictions.
Are Offshore Trusts Still Worth It Under CRS Reporting?
Yes, offshore trusts remain worth it under CRS reporting when used transparently and strategically.
Although CRS removed the veil of secrecy once associated with offshore structures, the core benefits—asset protection, succession planning, and legal separation of ownership—remain intact.
The key is compliance. Proper documentation and disclosure ensure that the trust’s objectives are achieved without risking penalties or reputational harm.
What Type of Trust Is Exempt From the New Reporting Rules?
Certain trusts are exempt from CRS reporting, including publicly traded or government-linked trusts, pension or charitable trusts, and those based in non-CRS jurisdictions.
- Publicly traded trusts or governmental entities – These are considered low-risk for tax evasion since their ownership and reporting structures are transparent, making them automatically exempt from CRS disclosure.
- Pension or charitable trusts – Trusts established for retirement or nonprofit purposes often qualify for exemption because they operate under strict regulatory oversight and are not used for personal wealth concealment.
- Trusts in non-CRS jurisdictions – Trusts formed in countries that have not adopted CRS are not required to exchange financial information with other jurisdictions, although this approach may face increasing international scrutiny.
How Do Non-Reporting Offshore Funds Differ From Reporting Funds?
Non-reporting offshore funds are exempt from CRS obligations and do not automatically exchange investor information with tax authorities.
Reporting funds, by contrast, are registered in CRS-participating jurisdictions—for example, Singapore or Luxembourg—and are required to report account details of controlling persons, including beneficiaries, settlors, and trustees.
These funds promote transparency and reduce the risk of tax evasion penalties but offer less privacy.
Non-reporting offshore funds are typically based in non-CRS jurisdictions such as the United States or Bahrain (for certain exempt structures), where local laws do not require CRS compliance.
Which Countries Do Not Participate in CRS?
Countries like the United States, Cambodia, and Dominica do not currently participate in CRS, maintaining higher levels of financial privacy.
Other non-CRS jurisdictions include Comoros, Dominican Republic, and Armenia, which similarly do not exchange financial account information under CRS.
Because the list evolves as more countries join the framework, professional advice is essential before selecting a jurisdiction for offshore trusts or funds.
Conclusion
Offshore trusts are still effective under CRS, but only when structured with transparency and clear legal intent.
While secrecy has diminished, asset protection, estate planning, and cross-border wealth management remain strong reasons to use offshore trusts, provided they comply fully with international reporting standards.
FAQs
Is the ATO Cracking Down on Family Trusts?
Yes. The Australian Tax Office (ATO) has increased scrutiny on family trusts, ensuring distributions are genuine and not used to improperly reduce taxes.
How Do the Rich Use Trusts to Avoid Taxes?
Wealthy individuals use trusts to defer or minimize taxes legally through estate planning, charitable giving, and asset segregation not through evasion.
Do Trusts Get a 50% CGT Discount?
In Australia, trusts may qualify for the 50% Capital Gains Tax (CGT) discount if assets are held for more than 12 months, subject to beneficiary tax residency.
What Are the Benefits of Offshore Trusts?
Offshore trusts offer asset protection, succession planning, and tax efficiency, particularly for cross-border families and business owners.
What Is the Disadvantage of an Offshore Trust?
The main disadvantages are compliance costs, loss of confidentiality under CRS, and potential double taxation if not structured correctly.
How to Avoid Tax on Offshore Investments?
You can legally avoid tax on offshore investments through tax-treaty planning, residency optimization, and compliant trust or fund structures.
Pained by financial indecision?
Adam is an internationally recognised author on financial matters with over 830million answer views on Quora, a widely sold book on Amazon, and a contributor on Forbes.
