łÉČËÓ°Ňô

GLOSSARY

Bare trust definition

/bɛː/ /trʌst/
Produced by a

What does Bare trust mean?

A bare trust is a trust where the beneficiary has a total and immediate right to the entire trust fund. This type of trust can arise by express arrangement or by natural operation of the law.

The most common example is an absolute gift to a minor. A gift by Brenda’s Will of ‘£1,000 to David absolutely’ will create a bare trust if David is not 18 when Brenda dies. David is beneficially entitled to the £1,000 (and any income arising) but cannot hold legal title because he is not an adult. The bare trustee (often the parent) will manage the funds until the child is 18, at which point they can demand payment.

Another common situation is where real property is held jointly. Those names registered as proprietors at the Land Registry (which cannot exceed four) hold the land on bare trust for all equitable owners (which has no theoretical maximum). 
There are other examples of bare trusts, but the implications are the same – the bare trust beneficiary is the absolute owner with indefeasible rights.

For income

Discover our 30 Tax Guidance on Bare trust

Tax legislation doesn't stand still, and neither should you. At Tolley we're constantly building tools to give you an edge, save you time and help you to grow your business.

  Case studies

"These days you can’t just risk using a standard search engine but need a proper research tool like TolleyGuidance."

Rayner Essex


Access all documents on Bare trust

GET ACCESS NOW