Gifting assets to children: a common family dilemma
Many parents and grandparents we speak to at Your Financials face the same dilemma. You want to transfer wealth to your (grand)children during your lifetime to reduce inheritance tax, while avoiding a situation where an 18‑year‑old suddenly gains unrestricted access to a substantial sum of money.
Reducing inheritance tax while retaining control
From a tax perspective, assets usually need to be registered in the child’s name to reduce inheritance tax. However, retaining control at the same time is challenging. Only a limited number of Dutch banks offer child accounts with parental control, and most investment managers do not support this structure.
Legal structures for controlled gifting
To retain control, a clear legal agreement is required between the donor, the legal representative of the minor and the financial institution. This agreement defines how the assets are managed and when the child may access them. Without such arrangements, control typically ends when the child turns 18.
Foundation structures for larger estates
For larger estates, a foundation structure that manages assets for the account and risk of participants can be used. This offers strong governance and continuity but involves significant setup and ongoing costs, making it suitable only for substantial wealth.
Gifting under administration via a notary
A more accessible option is gifting under administration through a notary. This allows you to specify that the child may only freely access the assets at a later age, such as 25 or 30. While legally sound, this option involves costs and ongoing administration.
Conditional gifting as a flexible alternative
Where these options are disproportionate, conditional gifting can be an effective alternative. By clearly documenting that both the gift and any returns are conditional, the donor retains effective control. Conditions do not need to be fully defined upfront, but careful record‑keeping is essential.
Thoughtful planning around gifting, inheritance tax and wealth management helps ensure that assets are transferred responsibly and benefit the next generation.