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Trust Basics

While there are many types of trusts that serve many different purposes, they all share something in common. A trust is a legal agreement among three parties:

A grantor transfers legal title to some property to a trust, then a trustee manages the property for a beneficiary. A trust can have more than one beneficiary, trustee or grantor. Moreover, one individual may assume two or even three of the roles as grantor, trustee and beneficiary. Usually, in this case, the trust will provide for at least one contingent beneficiary, who will become an active beneficiary upon the death of the grantor.

For example, a husband and wife could, as co-grantors, transfer property to a trust with themselves as co-trustees, with the husband and wife both as life beneficiaries, and perhaps with their children as contingent beneficiaries of the remainder interest.

Further, a single trust instrument can establish multiple trusts. For example, the previously mentioned trust could provide that, upon the death of the husband and wife, individual trusts would be established for each child. Again, one person may assume all three roles in the trust.

Common trust factors to consider include the use of a revocable vs. irrevocable trust, as well as whether the legal agreement is a living or testamentary trust.

Tip

Beginning in 2013, a new 3.8 percent net investment income tax may be imposed on individuals whose modified adjusted gross income exceeds $250,000 for joint filers, $125,000 for married taxpayers filing separately, and $200,000 for others. Trusts and estates with income over a certain amount are also subject to the NII tax. Form 8960, Net Investment Income Tax - Individuals, Estates, and Trusts is attached to the tax return. For 2013, the IRS has provided taxpayers the ability to rely on more than one set of net investment income tax rules. The best choice varies by taxpayers and depends on the taxpayer's unique situation. Consult your advisor to determine which approach would be best for you.


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