An offshore trust account is also known as an offshore trust. It is an instrument offered by wealth solutions firms like Ora Partners Limited and Fidelity that select individuals or corporations use for asset protection. 

An offshore trust works by transferring assets to the control of a legal entity that is based in another country. 

An important detail people have to remember is that offshore trusts are also irrevocable. Trust owners cannot reclaim ownership of transferred assets. These trust accounts are also complicated and costly.  

However, even with all that risk, for people with greater liability concerns, an offshore trust can provide protection, greater privacy, as well as some significant tax advantages. 

Both domestic trusts and offshore trusts are used effectively and widely in estate planning and keeping assets from being claimed by creditors and litigants who win damages in the event of tort lawsuits. 

Much like domestic asset protection trusts, offshore trusts can aid estate planners in avoiding the potentially costly as well as lengthy probate process. 

A key difference in offshore trusts is that they are based beyond the jurisdiction of the United States and are always located in a foreign country. 

Being offshore adds another layer of protection and privacy and gives people a greater ability to manage taxes.

For example, since the trusts are not located in the U.S., they do not have to follow the laws and regulations of the U.S. They are also not subject to any U.S. court. 

Their location makes it more difficult for both creditors and litigants to pursue claims and lawsuits against assets that are held in offshore trusts.

In a similar way, offshore trusts have fewer requirements for reporting than domestic trusts. It can also be difficult for third parties to find the assets and the owners of offshore trusts.

Setting up an offshore trust account

To set up an offshore trust, the person or company should first decide on a foreign country in which to locate the trust account.

Some popular locations include the Cook Islands, Nevis, Belize, and Luxembourg. These countries have favorable tax and privacy regulations.

After the country or offshore jurisdiction is chosen, the next step is to select a trustee. 

To be effective for asset protection, it is important that an offshore trust must be managed by an individual who is not a U.S. citizen. They will act as the trustee. 

Now, it’s time to acquire the services of an estate planning attorney. 

These lawyers are skilled in drawing up trust documents. This includes the deed of trust that describes the use and distribution of assets indicated in the trust.

Finally, transfer all the assets that are to be protected into the trust. 

Trust owners can first create a limited liability company, or LLC. They then transfer assets to the LLC before transferring the LLC itself to the trust.