Is there a more dignified financial goal than the wish to support your family? Many individuals fortunate enough to have extra funds aim to pass something meaningful to the next generation. Whether helping your child purchase a home, your niece launching a new business, or your grandchild’s college education, the desire to help family members thrive is a common and commendable aspiration.

As we age and accumulate assets, we naturally start thinking about how we can pass our wealth on to our children. Ireland has one of the highest capital acquisition rates in the world. But, not all can manage their assets well. Section 73 is a crucial tool for those seeking to optimize their inheritance planning strategies. Understanding the complexities of Section 73 is essential for individuals and families aiming to preserve and transfer wealth efficiently or do inheritance financial planning. Read more to learn everything you need to know about Section 73 policy. 

What is the Section 73 Savings Plan?

Section 73 savings plan is a forward-thinking provision of law that entails investing in an insurance policy, i.e., a qualifying investment savings plan. The catch is that the investor needs to invest for a minimum period of 8 years. At the end of that period, a parent can use the policy to pay for gift tax liability within one year. It outlines provisions related to the transfer of assets and the associated tax implications. While this provision may seem complex at first glance, the core idea behind the Section 73 savings plan is to preserve wealth across generations. 

The policyholders can utilize this to strategically minimize tax burdens and ensure a seamless transfer of assets from one generation to the next. This policy can be seen as normal savings. There are certain prerequisites to meet to qualify for being subject to section 73 status.

• You must buy the policy and pay the premium timely. 
• You must continue to pay the premium for eight years. 
• You must not increase or reduce your premium by 50% during those eight years.

Section 73 of the CAT Consolidation Act 2003 specifically states that any policy taken out to pay capital acquisition tax is exempted from tax under favorable conditions. Please note that you cannot switch an existing policy to a section 73 policy to avail the benefits. You need to start a new one for inheritance tax planning/saving purposes. 

Key Elements of Inheritance Planning

Inheritance planning is a crucial concept of financial planning. It involves making decisions about assets and wealth distribution to heirs and beneficiaries. Careful consideration of various primary elements is necessary to ensure an individual’s or family’s legacy is preserved and passed on efficiently. Here are some key elements of inheritance planning:

• Asset Assessment

Inheritance planning starts with a thorough assessment of your assets. It includes a comprehensive inventory of all your possessions, such as real estate, investments, personal belongings, and financial accounts. It is essential to know the value and nature of your assets for creating an effective plan.

• Tax Implications and Mitigation:

For optimal inheritance tax planning, understanding the tax implications is imperative. It involves considering inheritance tax, estate tax, and other potential taxes that may affect the transfer of assets. Moreover,  tax mitigation is required to minimize tax liabilities. It ensures that a significant portion of the assets is preserved for the intended beneficiaries.

• Estate Distribution Strategies:

Another important element of inheritance planning is efficient estate distribution. It determines how your assets will be distributed among your heirs. Various strategies exist, including wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations. The goal is to create a clear and legally binding plan that aligns with your wishes and minimizes potential disputes among beneficiaries.

• Legacy and Charitable Giving:

Inheritance planning isn’t just about transferring assets; it’s also an opportunity to leave a meaningful legacy. Consider incorporating charitable giving into your plan, supporting causes that align with your values. By having a positive impact on your community, you can enjoy some potential tax benefits. 

Section 73 Savings Policy: Overview

It is a savings plan to pay for future tax liability without having to pay tax on it. The policyholder is exempted from CAT after the completion of the policy within one year of commencement. The main requirements are:

• The policy should explicitly be set up for gift tax under section 73 of the Capital Acquisitions Tax Consolidation Act, 2003. 
• The policyholder should pay the premium continually every month for 8 years. No quarterly or yearly paid premiums are valid for exemption.
• There should be only one policyholder. Joint policyholders will not get tax exemption.
• If one fails to pay a premium for 1 year, no premium should be added further.
• You should use the amount for gift tax only within one year of the maturing of the policy. 
• If you withdraw the money early from the policy maturity date, you won’t get any benefits in tax. 
• If you choose, you can use the policy for personal use. There is no obligation to use the policy for gift tax purposes only. 
• There are only a few policies that qualify for section 73 exemption. If your policy does not come under the category, it will be treated the same as an ordinary savings policy. 

The laws and tax policies change every year. Before investing in any policy, it is recommended to get an expert’s opinion. You can get financial advice on inheritance planning and make financial decisions. 

In Final Words 

Are you planning on making gifts of assets or money to your child or grandchildren in the future? Do you know the receiver is required to pay tax on receiving the gift under the CAT Act, 2003? You don’t want your family to pay for what’s there. You can help them get rid of the amount. You can invest in an inheritance tax saving policy that qualifies Section 73 savings plan, and your family can get exempted from gift tax. Need any inheritance advice? Contact financial experts for proper guidance.