Skip to main content
by learnformula
search
For Business
Team license & compliance management
For Higher Education
Academic partnerships
For Government Agencies
Government training solutions
For Instructors & Course Creators
Teach on our marketplace
Become a Sponsor
Reach professionals where they learn
Log inStart 7-Day Free TrialStart Free TrialStart Free Trial
search
  1. Courses
  2. /Accounting & Tax
  3. /Estate Taxation

The Trust Sandwich: Tax Planning or Tax Trap?

Trace dividends through subsection 104(19), test connectedness for Part IV tax at the right moment, and avoid a surprise tax bill of nearly 40% of the dividend.

Created byAJAG Professional Development
emoji_eventsEditor's Pick· 5.0/5All LevelsUpdated Nov 8, 2026

What You'll Learn

  • check_circleAnalyze the structural requirements for a trust sandwich to effectively move corporate surplus.
  • check_circleApply the connectedness test to determine potential Part IV tax exposure.
  • check_circleEvaluate the impact of the Wefri decision on transaction timing and tax planning.
  • check_circleAssess the risks of the twenty-one-year deemed disposition rule for trust assets.
  • check_circleIdentify anti-avoidance triggers including TOSI, GAAR, and Section 55(2).

About This Course

This course examines the legal and tax architecture of the trust sandwich structure, which involves a family trust positioned between an operating company and a holding company. It details the mechanical process of flowing dividends through the trust to a corporate beneficiary using subsection 104(19) of the Income Tax Act. The material highlights the critical importance of timing and connectedness tests, specifically addressing the implications of the Wefri Federal Court of Appeal decision. Participants will explore the risks associated with Part IV tax, the twenty-one-year deemed disposition rule, and anti-avoidance provisions like GAAR and TOSI. The content emphasizes the necessity of aligning legal documentation, tax filings, and transaction dates to avoid significant tax liabilities.

Topics Covered

  • Trust sandwich structural architecture
  • Subsection 104(19) dividend designation
  • Part IV tax and connectedness tests
  • Wefri case timing analysis
  • Corporate surplus purification strategies
  • Estate freeze and growth allocation
  • Twenty-one-year deemed disposition rule
  • TOSI and attribution risk management

Course Content

1 activity • 1 videos • duration: 54m

remove
The Trust Sandwich: Tax Planning or Tax Trap?1 videos • 54 min
  • videocamThe Trust Sandwich: Tax Planning or Tax Trap?
    Duration 54:19

Your Instructors

AJAG Professional Development

menu_book61 courses
star9,486 reviews

AJAG Professional Development was founded in 2003 with a mission of making professional development easier and more cost-effective for Canadian accountants and other financial advisory professionals. Our comprehensive range of flexible and reasonably-priced courses, programs and seminars are delivered online and in classroom-style settings in the Greater Toronto Area (Toronto, Oakville and Markham). AJAG features a roster of highly-qualified instructors who deliver content that is pertinent, up-to-date and engaging.

Mitra Kaveh Mehr

MTax, CPA

Mitra leads tax planning and compliance at McGovern Hurley, leveraging over 8 years of experience with firms like Deloitte, MNP, and Cadesky & Associates. Since joining in 2020, she has driven innovative tax strategies, led the Tax Insight and Research Committee, and delivered key corporate tax updates. Her expertise spans corporate restructuring, cross-border taxation, and high-net-worth planning, supported by her Master of Taxation from the University of Waterloo. Passionate about advancing tax knowledge, Mitra regularly mentors colleagues, conducts training sessions, and shares insights on emerging tax trends to help clients and teams achieve lasting success.

Credit Information

Professional development requirements vary by profession, country, and regulatory body. Before enrolling, review the course details and confirm that the content, learning format, and any listed credits meet your specific requirements. You are responsible for confirming eligibility with your regulator or professional association and keeping the records required for reporting.

What Students Are Saying

0.0 out of 5
Student's Choice
0 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

We are a registered provider with 300+ associations and regulatory bodies worldwide. We operate across 27 global markets including Canada, the US, Australia, and the UK. Every course page clearly displays its specific accreditations. Upon completion, you receive a professional certificate that can be validated online. Our certificates include all necessary accreditation details, credit hours, and completion dates, and are formatted specifically to meet the submission requirements of most global regulatory bodies.

You May Also Like

  • Ethics: Business Ethics

    2026 Ethics and Corporate Compliance

    starRated5.0out of 5,(560 reviews)
    2 CPD hrs
  • Accounting & Tax: Technology for Accountants

    Claude Fundamentals for Accountants (2026 Update)

    starRated5.0out of 5,(647 reviews)
    2.5 CPD hrs
  • Finance: NASBA - Finance

    Sensitivity Analysis and Scenario Planning

    starRated5.0out of 5,(143 reviews)
    1.5 CPD hrs