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  • Profile photo of ImstillhungryImstillhungry
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    PS: The news about the discretionary trust/hybrid trust not receiving the benefit of the threshold is just depressing, but thanks for alerting me to the horrible fact[:)].

    Hungry[B)]

    Profile photo of ImstillhungryImstillhungry
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    Hi Huey,
    I’ve heard the idea of no land tax in units trusts being mentioned before, but this is the reply I got from the NSW OSR a couple of days ago:

    quote:


    Re: Trusts

    Unit Trusts are not exempt from land tax,they get the benefit of the
    tax free threshold which is $261,000 for the 2003 tax year.

    If the total land value of property in the Unit Trust is less than
    $261,000 they are not liable for land tax.

    If the land value is above $261,000 tax is $100 plus 1.7 cents for each
    $1 in excess of $261,000

    If the Unit Holders are discretionary trusts and come within the
    definition of “Special Trust” separate returns are required for each
    trust to show their individual interest in the land.
    Land owned by Special Trusts or Hybrid Trust classified as special
    trust will be taxed at 1.7 cents (2003 tax year) for each $1 of taxable
    land value.Special Trusts do not get the benefit of the threshold.

    I am also enclosing definition of a Special Trust.
    Hope this information is of help. If you require more information you
    could refer to our website http://www.osr.nsw.gov.au or call our enqiries line
    on
    9685 2155

    Regards
    Ansa


    So it seems there is no escape from the long sticky arm of the revenue office.

    Regards,
    Hungry[:D]

    Profile photo of ImstillhungryImstillhungry
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    That’s right, BB, you need the right people for the job.

    I have an Oz P/L as trustee for an Oz discretionary trust. I inquired about the chance of getting a loan from a NZ banking institution. The reason I asked is that some people on this site seemed to think it was way too difficult. So did I at that stage but I thought it couldn’t hurt to ask around. So I asked a NZ broker.

    My question: “Is it possible for an Oz P/L trust structure to be considered for a NZ loan?”
    His answer: “Oh yeah, Of course! As long as you go guarantor, it just depends on how experienced the lending institution’s administrator is! If he/she isn’t experienced they will knock you back, so we go to the highest admin to get it done”[:0)] I have since gotten pre-approval.

    So, there you go BB, find the right people and it’s a goer. But as some people have said already, you seem (like me[:I]) not so experienced with all this so increase your knowledge base. Learn as much as you can about the whole industry of investing in IP’s from the Banks requirements and procedure to the agent’s. Study a little bit about contracts and your rights with regard to them. Study Study Study so when it comes time to talk to an advisor you will know what you are talking about and you will know if they know what they are talking about[;)]. Otherwise you could be in store for some big disappointments[B)].

    A great start is to search the threads on this forum… very helpful (and the ATO/OSR/related websites). Also check out Sooshie’s links thread. You’ll be surprised what you can learn with a little time and effort in the http://WWW.[:)] Learn, then act.

    Good luck with it all, and happy journey.
    Regards,
    Hungry[:D]

    Profile photo of ImstillhungryImstillhungry
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    Huey,
    If she wants to teach English in Japan…too easy[:P]

    Regards,
    Hungry[:D]

    Profile photo of ImstillhungryImstillhungry
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    Hi Huey,

    I’m REALLY no expert but…

    “I bought my Sydney IP almost 2 years ago. I didn’t receive any notice from the council regarding land tax. Is that because it’s land value is still under the threadhold of $261K ?”
    Yep[:)]

    “How can I find out it’s land value?”
    If you check out the gov. vluation that should include land value and improvements value separately. Call the agent who is managing your property or the council. [:P]

    “An accountant firm prepared for my a depreciation schedule showed its land value of $200K . I don’t know where they got this value from.”
    Neither do I [;)]

    “The IP is in joint tenants with 99% my husband’s & 1% mine. If we want to buy another IP in NSW how should we structure it to minimise paying land tax?”
    You could put it in a unit or discretionary trust (around $800 set up costs) with you as the trustee and you and your husband as beneficiaries. You’d still have to pay property tax once the land value in the trust reached the threshold. But, you could then establish another trust (and pay another $800-1000). Be careful though, make sure you include something that indicates your prmary motive being to secure/protect the asset or you might send tax avoidance signals[}:)]!!! But the rules are changing all the time so nothing is 100% secure. I’ve set up a corporate trustee to work with a discretionary trust. Have you read Steves Wealth Guardian? It nice and simple and includes most of what you need to know[8D]

    “The NSW gov website indicates that the threadhold is not applicable to Trust.”
    That site is not that informative and probably doesn’t take the trust arrangement into account. Have you tried discussing this with the Office of State Revenue directly. They are pretty helpful at times[:0)]

    Regards
    Hungry[:D]
    PS: Check out the thread on “trust-advantages” you might be able to get more definite info from some of those guys.

    Profile photo of ImstillhungryImstillhungry
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    Hi Scott,

    I have done everything unseen from JP (solicitor, agent inquiries, valuations etc.)so far using the internet resources (ADSL is beautiful!!!)and the good old Brastel phone cards. I am due to call a builder today to organise an inspection. I’ll use the online yellow pages[:)].

    I was a little wary at first, but as long as the offers are conditional, the numbers work and you’ve done some due diligence of your own you shouldn’t bump into too much trouble(though personal inspection is more comfortable[:O]. A lot of people on this forum do the same. The forum itself is often a great resource too, hey!

    What are your goals for the moment with regard to your investment choices and criteria?

    Hungry[:D]
    PS: We might end up on the same plane!

    Profile photo of ImstillhungryImstillhungry
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    People have always communicated “true” concepts and principles couched in parabolic symbolism since the the evolution of complex and developed language. Story has always been the favourite medium for communicating thoughts, ideas and beliefs as many of the world’s most ancient manuscripts testify. The fact of the matter is, a true story doesn’t have to be true. I know that will really annoy some people, but the fact is that people think differently and appreciate dfferent things.

    I appreciate the concept of truth through parable. It is inspiring and creative. Sure, RK could have written the basis of his first book in one paragraph, but the facts are boring and often need illustration to make sense. They also need repetition and reinforcement to become inculcated. So story is the perfect medium for such a process. “THE BOOK” is a story for that reason. Conclusion: RK is a great educator.

    For many people the book is a godsend and they will go on to apply what they have learned and reap the benefits. Money well spent then[;)].

    Others will find it difficult to appreciate these principle because they are presented in such a dynamic and creative context. If that is you, then maybe the book is not for you.

    I read it, I loved it, I wish I had thought of it[:P] and I am engaged in a well thought out plan for financial independence because of it. You can’t argue with that. That is my experience.

    Kind regards,
    Hungry[:D]
    PS: Please excuse my spelling[:I]

    Profile photo of ImstillhungryImstillhungry
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    Hi J.,

    Not sure where you are, but In QLD there is no distinction regarding trusts. All trusts are land taxed based on unimproved land value on a sliding scale the maximum being 1.8% for >1.5 MIL. The cap for QLD is 170K for trusts, NSW I think is around 260K (don’t know if trusts are taxed differently to this) and victoria do the .1c-5c in the dollar over 150K thing. In any case, you can potentially hold quite a few properties (depending on value) in a trust before you have to set up another. The cost of which I think would be well worth it in the long run.

    Hope that helps you out a little,
    Hungry[:D]

    Profile photo of ImstillhungryImstillhungry
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    Hi again,

    I’ve just been looking at the HECS deal on the net. You don’t actually incur any interest[:)]. It just creeps along with inflation. So, since that is the case, I wouldn’t worry too much about paying it off in a lump sum (any payment over $500 is still awarded a 15% reduction in the amount you are paying off…higher reductions if the amount is more significant). Do what Terry suggested and pay the loan through the tax system (see threshold chart below) when you have to and commit everything else to deposits for your financial freedom. I wish supplement loans worked the same way…damn the private college [:(!]!!

    HECS repayment thresholds:

    Below $24 365 nil
    $24 365 – $25 694 3.0%
    $25 695 – $27 688 3.5%
    $27 689 – $32 118 4.0%
    $32 119 – $38 763 4.5%
    $38 764 – $40 801 5.0%
    $40 802 – $43 858 5.5%
    $43 859 and above 6.0%

    So have you considered investing in Oz from Japan?

    Hungry[:D]

    Profile photo of ImstillhungryImstillhungry
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    Hi Scott,

    To tell the truth, mate, I really think it all revolves around how much debt you actuall have. Mine is almost 10K (nice deposit[xx(]) by now with the growing interest (which is higher for a supplement loan I believe). If yours is significant it will still compound at three percent. If it is a low amount it won’t be so onerous, but that means it would be easier to pay out. Also I think at some point you’ll have to pay it out anyway (particularly if you go home to a higher paying job, if this is the case the weekly salary deductions would not be too tough I wouldn’t think at only a few %). If you wait too long though you could be paying a lot of dead money out to the gov.(though it might be easier for you by then) If you pay sooner it will be less (and you’ll have to work harder now to replace that lost capital).

    I know this is probably not the answer you were hoping for but it all depends on what you have planned for the future and it is a decission that you’ll have to make based on your context.

    By the way, I’ve been here for 18 mths and am most recently from Bribie Island QLD[:)] (Brisbane). God, how I miss that place![|)] Been working for the English Factory (i.e. NOVA) for all of that time with my wife. The double income really helps to build up the savings even though it is pretty expensive to live here. We are currently waiting for a rejection or acceptance on a couple of offers we made earlier in the week. Finally, after years of study and research, we are in the game[^]. How about you?

    Take it easy and keep your fire burnin’
    Hungry[:D]

    Profile photo of ImstillhungryImstillhungry
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    Hi Scott,

    Mmmmm…good question. I’d like some light on this one too. So far I havn’t mentioned it because it doesn’t really qualify as a student loan, does it?

    I have a hefty Austudy supplement loan that I plan to pay as soon as I can simply because I just don’t like the idea of having the thing growing like a cancer in the dark recesses of my financial history [}:)] so I’ll get rid of mine when I can.

    I guess some people accomodate dead debt comfortably and others uncomfortably…which one are you?

    Keep researching and best of luck,
    Hungry[:D]
    Chiba, Japan (until April 2004)

    Profile photo of ImstillhungryImstillhungry
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    Hi guys,

    Dolf is an entertaining presenter. If you want the info, buy the book. But really, for the motivation and networking you’ll get, $60 bucks aint much! Go hard, I reckon.

    I’m just wondering if his jokes are any better than when I saw him three years ago…

    Regards,
    Hungry[:D]

    Profile photo of ImstillhungryImstillhungry
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    Well Pinky, the author is one of those accountant types, you know. They are quite intelligent…but a little low on artistic creativity [:O]

    I haven’t read his book, BUT I was bogged down with a text on family systems psychological theory by some french guy (?) once that I couldn’t really come to grips with. I mentioned it to my lecturer and she said that I should read it through like a novel and then read it again slowly digesting every point the author was making. It worked for me. You could give that a try…just don’t give up…Oh and leave that poor old dog alone hey…dogs are people too[:D]

    Nice ta meet ya
    Hungry[:D]

    Profile photo of ImstillhungryImstillhungry
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    Hi guys (generic [8)]),

    My wife and I are both currently teaching English in Japan…not much different to factory work really…bring em in, process them and send them out…NEXT! [xx(]

    We are most recently from Brisbane but were both born in NSW. My wife started the whole “make money work for you” thing with Rich Dad Poor Dad (aint he got a lot to answer for[:)]). Then it was a seminar here and a seminar there…then it was on and on…and on about investing! Helped along with some serious job dis-satifaction I finally came on board and now I keep her up at night…talking about PI’s [:I]. That is the whole purpose of the last 18 mths in Japan…MONEY for DEPOSITS![^]

    We haven’t yet purchased our first property, but have two offers on the go…so WON’T BE LONG NOW!!![;)]…so, captain Mark, you better get a wriggle on mate [:P]

    Stay hungry everyone and don’t lose your grip on the dream that has brought you this far. Enjoyed reading about your journeys.

    Hungry[:D]

    Profile photo of ImstillhungryImstillhungry
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    Hey Milkman,
    I’m forever ringing up agents in the same area to get an idea of what the rents might be. I usually ask three different agents to get a reasonable ball park figure. You have to take the condition and extras into account.

    By the way, they want you to buy IF they think you are a buyer. I’ve called agents and asked about rental prices and they thought I was looking for a home to live in…I don’t usually tell them any different…unless they ask which happens if they are on the ball. However, if you haven’t mentioned any particular property they don’t usually get too excited in my experience.

    Have fun with it,
    Hungry [:D]

    Profile photo of ImstillhungryImstillhungry
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    A big thanks to you Mini[:D], I’ve noticed over the months that you are very generous with your time…really appreciated.

    You’ve cleared my mind considerably. That is no mean feat [xx(]!!!

    Just one question:

    I have made contact with a solicitor in the north. Can I use this guy with any property transaction in NZ, or is it more convenient to use a local person from the area you are buying in? I’m thinking stick with one!?

    Thanks again,
    Still Hungry![:D]

    Profile photo of ImstillhungryImstillhungry
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    Firstly, a big thankyou to all the contributors on this forum over the last year or so. You’ve inspired and motivated me to take the big first step and buy my first IP…well, actually, I haven’t bought it yet[:I]. I’ve been on the hunt now for three weeks. Each time I’ve found one that fits my criteria others have always beaten me to it or have come in over the top with a conditionless offer!(it is tough buying from Japan[B)]) So my questions are:

    What do most people on the forum do when it comes to making an offer? Do you always make a conditional offer or is it not unusual to make unconditional offers in this current NZ market?

    I’ve also heard people saying they make 30 or 40 offers for every one that is accepted. Does that mean that you actually make multiple offers or do you have to wait to hear a yes or no from your previous offer before you can move on to another house/offer???

    Thanks to any replies in advance
    Still Hungry![:D]

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