Family Investment Companies

The Family Investment Company (FIC) has become a popular choice for the High Net Worth Individual as a useful tool for tax and family wealth planning. The traditional Trust still very much has its place in terms of wealth protection for future generations however, the flexibility that a FIC offers make it an excellent choice particularly amongst more entrepreneurial clients.

HMRC has recently taken a keen interest in FIC’s but as had been well publicised found nothing of note to concern them. While not altogether surprising this is great news and means the FIC has well and truly secured its place in the tax planning hall of fame.

In simple terms a family investment company (FIC) is a company that invests rather than trades. The investments are typically equity portfolios or property.

The FIC is set up by the founder transferring cash or assets usually by way of a loan. Any profits arising from the investments are taxed at corporation tax rates rather than income or capital gains. At current rates this usually creates a tax saving of up to 25% for an individual paying income tax at additional rates.

The structure also offers Inheritance Tax (IHT) advantages and is therefore an attractive alternative to a Trust, particularly with entrepreneurial clients who are more familiar and comfortable with a company structure rather than a Trust.

How is a FIC set up?

Usually a FIC is set up with a founder share held by the individual providing the capital, either by a cash loan or by transferring assets in to the company. Transferring assets can have separate tax consequences particularly around capital gains tax or in the case of property Stamp Duty Land Tax. In some cases, these costs can render the creation of the FIC structure prohibitive. That said, where assets are not standing at a gain or there are capital losses available it be a good time to think about restructuring the family wealth.

On creation, other family members and often family trusts are brought in as shareholders. Different classes of shares are issued to enable flexibility around payment of dividends. The founder shareholder generally maintains control over the investments (or is responsible for appointing an adviser) and the payment of dividends and return of capital. This is typically done either by separating the voting rights or enhancing directors’ powers within the Articles of Association and the shareholders agreement.

Tax drivers

Corporation tax

Profits arising within the FIC are chargeable to corporation tax. FICs usually pay corporation tax at the rate of 25% (irrespective of profit levels), however in certain circumstances some FICs may benefit from the lower rate of 19% on the first £50,000 of annual taxable profits. In addition, where the FIC holds an equity portfolio there may be no tax at all as dividend payments are often tax free from company to company. This can increase the return on the investment significantly.

FIC’s are not just used for equity investments, since the tax rules for residential property have changed in recent years more investors are using a corporate structure to house their property portfolios. Again, the rental profits in the company are taxed at preferential corporate rates and companies still have the ability to deduct any loan interest from the rental income which is now being restricted for personal investors.

Income tax

The investment is typically made by way of a loan and this can be repaid from profits tax free. It should be noted that HMRC have been known to challenge the tax treatment of repayments of interest free loans. Assigning part of the loan to the other shareholders and charging interest at a commercial rate can prevent this.

The company wrapper shelters the investments from income tax until the funds are extracted from the company other than by loan repayment. When profits are extracted the shareholders will be liable to income tax on any amounts received. Payments are usually made by way of dividend and are subject to rates as outlined below.

* assumes personal allowance currently £12,570 used elsewhere. Rates used are for 2024/2025 tax year.   

The FIC is created to benefit the family and as such parents and children are generally included as shareholders. It is also possible and can be beneficial to include a trust as a shareholder to offer more flexibility.

Dividends paid to minor children are taxed on the parents. However, for children over 18, payment of a dividend up to the basic rate band can be a very efficient way of extracting funds to help with costs such as university fees.

It is not generally beneficial to pay dividends to the founder shareholders as their income levels are usually high. The combined tax rate of the company and the income tax would be higher than if the asset was held directly.

The FIC structure is of most benefit where the capital and income can be retained within the company for long periods, or indeed used as a structure to pass on to the next generation in the same way one would use a trust.

Capital Gains Tax

As with income tax, any assets sold within the company would be charged at corporation tax rates rather than Capital Gains Tax (CGT).

Profits on gains arising would be extracted in the same way as outlined above.

On the sale or liquidation of the company the shareholders would be charged to CGT on the value of their shares less any cost. As shares are likely to be subscribed for at par, CGT will be charged on the whole increase in value usually at 24% following increases announced in the October 2024 budget.

Inheritance tax

One of the main advantages to a FIC are the IHT benefits. Not only is value passed to the other shareholders on the creation of the company (subject to the seven year survivorship rule) but any increase in value of the investments is transferred immediately. Any further shares can be passed on later down the line, potentially via a trust. As the value of the founder’s shareholding drops, the transfer of wealth to the other shareholders reduces the founder’s exposure to IHT.

HMRC have also reviewed IHT generally, proposing lifetime tax charges on all gifts which could include those within a FIC. These changes are not in law as yet therefore if you are considering moving wealth to the next generation, we would recommend this is done sooner rather than later.

How can we help?

There is no 'one size fits all' to planning a FIC however there are considerable savings to be made where the structure is appropriate. As with any tax planning there are risks and a FIC should be considered as part of a longer-term strategy. What is important is that a FIC is considered as part of your wider family wealth planning. Our private client team are experienced in this area and can help you create an appropriate plan to protect your wealth for you and your family.

For more information on the issues outlined in this guide or advice on your individual circumstances please get in touch with your usual Crowe contact.