Wealth Solutions & Wealth Planning
Business families globally face Complex, Shifting Tax Landscape, Increased Interest in Family Offices in Mainland China and Hong Kong, finds KPMG Analysis
More high net worth families in Hong Kong and mainland China are setting up family offices as a way to manage their assets and address any potential challenges of passing these assets down to the next generation, according to recent analysis by KPMG.
'Charting a path for the future,' the 2020 KPMG Private Enterprise Global Family Business Tax Monitor, provides in-depth perspectives on the varied and changing tax environment for family businesses in Hong Kong SAR, mainland China and around the world, along with insight on how families can best prepare for transitioning their business to the next generation. The report highlights how the impact of Covid-19 could increase the pressure on families in the coming years, the firm said in a press release.
Karmen Yeung, Partner, Private Enterprise, China, KPMG, said: “An increasing trend in mainland China and even more so in Hong Kong (SAR), is establishing a family office to operate the family business and manage assets. Family members often don’t have the knowledge to work through governance, legal, tax and succession issues and, therefore are looking for outside expertise. Especially for families that have assets in multiple countries, the family office model can help them to better understand and manage the complex rules they are subject to around the world.”
Alice Leung, Partner, Corporate Tax Advisory, China, KPMG, said: “The Tax Monitor details the various tax treatments, across 54 countries, for the intra-family transfer of a family business valued at EUR10 million or more. Of the 54 countries surveyed, 14 have a specific inheritance tax that applies and 16 have a gift tax that would apply to lifetime transfers of a business. Mainland China and Hong Kong SAR are not among them, but Hong Kong does impose a stamp duty on assignments or leases of immovable properties, transfers of stocks and issues, and bearer instruments.”
The findings of the Tax Monitor are relevant to a majority of wealthy families. Few high net worth families operate in a single country but are spread out across multiple jurisdictions. Managing this complexity requires strong support systems and understanding of the requirements of many different tax systems.
While there are tax reliefs in most jurisdictions that can lessen the burden on families transferring their business, many of these are coming under increased scrutiny and families need to be prepared for change. For example, in the US, families transferring a business currently benefit from a gifts and estates exclusion of USD11.58 million, but there is the potential for the exclusion to be modified or eliminated after 2026. Similarly, families in the UK benefit from business property relief (BPR) in transferring a business, but there are proposals that could modify or remove this relief.
Tax planning for the transfer of a family business needs to be part of an overall planning process and the Tax Monitor provides a blueprint to follow that encompasses establishing robust family governance, including a family constitution, as well as ensuring the next generation is prepared to assume control of the business. Covid-19 has added to the urgency of managing family businesses and carefully planning any generations transfers.
Tom McGinness, Global Leader, Private Enterprise Family Business, Private Enterprise, UK, KPMG, said: “The impact of Covid-19 is also prompting families to take stock of the sense of purpose and values of their business. Family businesses tend to take a long-term view and have a strong sense of community. Increasingly, families are considering the broader societal impact of their business and their role in addressing issues from climate change to inequality and education.”
Latest News
Wealth Solutions & Wealth Planning
Norton Rose Fulbright Strengthens Singapore Team with New Banking Partner
Recommended news