Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges faced by families with mentally disabled members in China, particularly regarding the establishment of special needs trusts as a financial tool for future care and support [4][5]. Group 1: Current Situation of Families with Mentally Disabled Members - There are approximately 12 to 20 million individuals with mental disabilities in China, with around 14 million diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders [4]. - Many families, like that of 78-year-old Li, struggle to balance their own aging and health issues while caring for mentally disabled children and grandchildren [3][4]. - The average budget for the future care of mentally disabled individuals is estimated at 1.23 million yuan, which is expected to last for about 15 years [4]. Group 2: Development of Special Needs Trusts - Special needs trusts have gained traction as a financial solution for families with mentally disabled members, with awareness reaching 61% among relevant families [4]. - In less than three years, 133 parents have established special needs trusts, indicating a growing interest in this financial tool [4]. - The introduction of real estate trust property registration in cities like Beijing and Shanghai marks a significant step in allowing non-cash assets to be included in trusts [4][15]. Group 3: Challenges in Establishing Special Needs Trusts - The supply side faces challenges such as low profitability for trust service providers and complex processes for asset registration and liquidation [5]. - On the demand side, families encounter difficulties in finding reliable guardians, high financial thresholds, and a lack of suitable service systems [5][12]. - Many families report that they cannot find suitable relatives to act as guardians, with 39% indicating a lack of trustworthy individuals to manage their child's care and finances [10]. Group 4: Financial Barriers and Recommendations - The starting capital for special needs trusts is often above 300,000 yuan, which is a barrier for many families, especially those with lower incomes [12]. - The average monthly expenditure for families with mentally disabled members is around 5,871 yuan, with 43% of that spent on the care of the disabled individual [12]. - Recommendations include considering non-cash assets like real estate for inclusion in special needs trusts to broaden access for families [14][15]. Group 5: Legal and Taxation Issues - The lack of standardized regulations for special needs trusts creates uncertainty for families regarding the management and protection of their assets [7][11]. - Tax burdens associated with transferring real estate into trusts can be prohibitively high, potentially discouraging families from utilizing this option [16]. - Suggestions have been made to exempt certain taxes on trust property transfers to make special needs trusts more accessible for families with significant real estate assets [16].
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第一财经·2025-11-24 04:06