Trusts in Estate Planning

Trusts in Estate Planning is a comprehensive professional development course designed to equip accounting and tax professionals with a clear, practical understanding of how trusts function within the Canadian legal and tax framework. This course explores the foundational principles of trust law, including the roles and responsibilities of settlors, trustees, and beneficiaries, as well as the legal obligations imposed under provincial legislation and common law. Participants gain a structured overview of the various types of trusts used in practice, including inter vivos trusts, family trusts, alter ego trusts, joint spousal trusts, and testamentary trusts. A significant focus of the course is the taxation of trusts under the Income Tax Act. Learners examine trust residency rules, the taxation of retained versus distributed income, the application of the 21-year deemed disposition rule, attribution provisions, Tax on Split Income considerations, and the framework surrounding Graduated Rate Estates. Strategic planning techniques such as estate freezes, asset rollouts, income allocation strategies, and creditor protection planning are also addressed in a practical and applied manner. Beyond technical tax mechanics, the course emphasizes the strategic role of trusts in intergenerational wealth transfer, equitable treatment of beneficiaries, probate planning, and asset protection. Specialized structures, including alter ego and joint spousal trusts, are reviewed in the context of senior planning and succession objectives. Delivered fully online and self paced, the course combines clear video instruction with downloadable reference materials, practical case studies, and knowledge checks to reinforce learning. It is designed to support professionals seeking to build confidence in advising clients on trust structures and estate planning strategies. This course forms part of the Canadian Tax Mastery Certificate, the Certificate in Personal and Family Taxation, and the Estate and Succession Planning Certificate, making it a valuable component of structured professional advancement in Canadian tax and estate planning.