[akagrp]

Hello David

Pricing can vary from accountant to accountant as well as what state you are planning to have the Trust Deeds stamped in.

The other factor you need to consider is the type of trust you are talking about as there are a number of different trusts for different purposes, the most common trusts are Discretionary Trusts, Unit Trusts, Testimonial Trust, and Property Trusts, DT tend to be the cheapest.

You really need to also consider why you are establishing the trust, if one of the reasons is to property your assets then having yourself as Trustee of the Trust is not a good protection.

Setting up a company is cheap as quoted here, average price is around $600 for a full set of papers (be careful for the budget options as they do not all provide company Constitutions which you will need if seeking finance)

Stamp Duty is a cost that you cannot avoid if setting up a trust, as I do not know where you are based I have quoted major states
NSW $500 + $10 for each Copy of Deeds normally recommend to have 2 copies
VIC $200
QLD NIL
SA Only for Unit Trusts and duty detailed
WA NIL

You also need to consider Land Tax issues if Trust in particular property held in NSW.

There are also other issues with Trusts, you need to consider if you reason is for tax minimisation then wait until later later this month when the government announces key tax reforms planned for the next 25 years from the report handed down by Dr Ken Henry

If you are in Sydney happy to discuss with you over the phone, also for clients that continue to use our services for accounts and tax returns we rebate the cost of ABN & GST Registration.