Compare the costs of ownership between using Personal Name vs Trust with Corporate Trustee
How This Calculator Works
This tool helps you compare the financial impact of buying an investment property in your own name versus using a trust with a corporate trustee. It considers setup and ongoing costs, tax benefits, land tax, and more. Adjust the parameters on the left to see how your scenario changes in real time.
Setup & Ongoing Costs: Includes legal, accounting, and ASIC fees for trusts. You can now edit the setup costs below.
Tax: Calculates the effect of negative gearing and income distribution to lower-taxed family members.
Land Tax: Uses state-specific rules with accurate tiered calculations for all states.
Net Impact: Shows the total cost difference over your chosen holding period.
⚠️ Important CGT Note: If a trust or company owns your property, you might not be able to claim the main residence Capital Gains Tax (CGT) exemption. This means if you ever live in the property, you may pay full CGT on any gain when you sell.
Setup Cost Difference ?Trust setup cost minus personal setup cost. Positive = trust is more expensive upfront.
$0
Annual Cost Difference ?Trust annual ongoing cost minus personal annual ongoing cost. Includes admin, ASIC, and land tax.
$0
Total 10-Year Difference?Total cost difference over your holding period. Positive = trust is more expensive overall.
$0
Metric
Personal Ownership
Trust + Corporate Trustee
Difference
💡 Key Insights
💰 Why Trust Saves Money
Step-by-Step Calculation Details
🏠 Property Cash Flow Analysis
Annual Rental Income
$0
User input
Annual Property Expenses
$0
User input (excl. interest)
Annual Interest Expense
$0
Loan Amount × Interest Rate
Net Rental Income
$0
Rental Income - Property Expenses - Interest
🏛️ Land Tax Calculations
Personal Land Tax
$0
Based on state tiered rates
Trust Land Tax
$0
Based on state tiered rates
💰 Tax Impact Analysis
Personal Tax on Income
$0
Net Rental Income × Your Tax Rate (if positive)
Personal Tax Benefit
$0
Net Rental Income × Your Tax Rate (if negative)
Trust Tax on Income
$0
Net Rental Income × Family Tax Rate (if positive)
Trust Tax Benefit
$0
$0 (losses trapped in trust)
📋 Annual Ongoing Costs
Personal Admin/Accounting
$1,000
Standard accounting fees
Trust Admin
$3,000
Trust accounting + compliance
ASIC Annual Fee
$310
Corporate trustee annual fee
Total Annual Cost Difference
$0
Trust costs - Personal costs
📈 Total Cost Summary
Personal Total Cost
$0
Setup + (Annual Cost × Holding Period)
Trust Total Cost
$0
Setup + (Annual Cost × Holding Period)
Australian Land Tax Rules by State (2024-25)
This section provides official land tax thresholds, rates, and calculation methods for each Australian state. Click the links to access the most current information from government sources.
Important: Land tax rules and rates change annually. Always verify current rates with the relevant state revenue office before making investment decisions. The calculator uses the rates shown above for 2024-25.
How to Use This Calculator
Enter your property and financial details in the left panel.
Review the real-time results and comparison table on the right.
Read the key insights above to help guide your decision.
Expand the detailed breakdown section to see step-by-step calculations.
Check the land tax reference guide for official government sources.
Decision Guidance:
Use your own name if you want simplicity, negative gearing benefits, and the main residence CGT exemption.
Use a trust with a corporate trustee if you want asset protection, income distribution flexibility, and estate planning advantages—but be aware of higher costs, land tax, and CGT issues.