Section 72/73 Life-Cover Trust — Legal Drafting

A Section 72 or Section 73 life-cover trust in Ireland makes sure a qualifying life assurance policy is held on the right trust terms. If set up correctly, the proceeds used to pay inheritance tax (Section 72) or gift tax (Section 73) are themselves exempt from capital acquisitions tax. A solicitor would advise on how the relief works, reviews your policy arrangement and draft the trust and supporting documents. Please note: this is a legal service only. It is not tax advice and does not include tax computations, tax returns or Revenue filings, which should be carried out by a registered tax adviser or accountant alongside this legal work.

The price shown is the full professional fee for the service as described, and any third-party or State fees are listed separately where they apply. If your matter needs more than this service covers, a solicitor would explain the options before any further work is done.

What’s included

• Advice on how Section 72/73 relief works
• Review of your policy arrangement
• Drafting of the trust and supporting documents
• Self-complete template with guidance notes — you fill it in yourself
• Documents tailored to Irish law and your circumstances, delivered by email
• A written summary of the key points and anything you need to do afterwards

Who this is for

• People with, or planning, a Section 72 policy
• Parents planning lifetime gifts using Section 73
• Farm and business owners planning succession
• Families wanting to fund a future CAT bill

How it works

1. Find a solicitor through the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory and send them the basic details and any existing documents or correspondence.
2. Complete a short questionnaire about your circumstances.
3. A solicitor would then review the policy and drafts the trust documents.
4. The completed work is delivered to you by email, with plain-English notes on what to do next.

Frequently asked questions

How much does Section 72/73 trust drafting cost?

This page is a free guide — nothing on it is for sale. Solicitors set their own fees for this work and must give you a written costs estimate (a section 150 letter) before starting. Get quotes through the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.

What is a Section 72 policy?

A qualifying life policy whose proceeds, used to pay inheritance tax, are exempt from CAT.

Is this financial advice?

No. It is legal drafting only.

For more on Wills, probate and administering an estate, see our Wills & Probate in Ireland guide.

If you would like to be told when solicitor services are available again on this site, you can join our no-fee waiting list. To instruct a solicitor now, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.