An Alter Ego Trust is a type of inter-vivos trust established during an individual’s lifetime. The settlor can transfer personally held assets—such as non-registered investments or property —into the trust without triggering immediate tax consequences. Upon death, these assets, now legally owned by the trust, bypass the estate, avoiding probate fees.


Control & Benefit During the Settlor’s Lifetime

  • The settlor retains full control over the trust assets and can name a trustee
  • The settlor is the sole beneficiary of income and capital while alive
  • All investment decisions and access to funds remain with the settlor


Upon Set Up

  • You are over the age of 65
  • You are a Canadian Resident
  • The Trust is a Canadian Resident Trust
  • You are the sole beneficiary of the income and capital while alive
  • You have significant non-registered assets or property


A joint partner trust can be established if you are married or common law, where both spouses benefit from the income and capital of the trust, during their lifetime.

Before proceeding, ensure that the benefits outweigh the legal, accounting, and ongoing administrative costs of the trust.