Setting up a trust can be a great way to protect your assets and keep them out of the reach of difficult family members or creditors. When you’re ready to set one up, there are a few things to keep in mind. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the important factors to consider when setting up a trust, so that you can make an informed decision about what is best for you.
What is a Trust?
A trust is a legal document that establishes the terms of a relationship between people. It can be created to administer assets for someone’s benefit, distribute money or property to beneficiaries, protect the privacy of individuals, or establish other legal agreements. There are many different types of trusts. Many people choose to set up a trust when they are not able to fully manage their own financial affairs. This can help you avoid probate and minimize your taxes. You can also create it to protect the privacy of your loved ones by appointing a trustee who will manage your assets without revealing your personal information. Trust funds and wills can also create valuable estate planning tools.
There are many different reasons to create a trust, and it can be beneficial for both individuals and businesses. It is important to speak with an attorney about your specific situation before setting up a trust, as there may be special considerations that need to be taken into account.
When to Set Up a Trust?
There is no definitive answer to this question since it depends on a variety of factors, including the reason for setting up the trust and the individuals involved. Generally speaking, however, it should be done when people are mature and have the legal authority to make decisions on their own behalf. That said, there is no age limit, so they can be set up at any time.
Benefits of Setting Up a Trust
Trusts offer many benefits, including tax advantages and the ability to pass assets to heirs without taxes or probate costs.
- Tax advantages. One of the benefits of setting up a trust is that it can offer tax advantages. For example, if you do it to hold your assets for your children, it will be classified as a family trust and will be taxed at a lower rate than if the assets were held in your individual name.
- Passing assets to heirs without taxes or probate costs. Another benefit is that they allow you to pass assets to heirs without paying taxes or facing probate costs. This is because they are often considered legal entities separate from their beneficiaries, which means that the assets in the trust will not be included in the beneficiary’s taxable estate when they die. In some cases, taking this approach may result in a tax savings of up to 50%.
- They can help protect your assets. It can also help protect your assets from unexpected changes in your life or those of your loved ones. For example, if you set it up to hold your assets for your children, the trust will be able to sue on behalf of the children should you become incapacitated or unable to manage your finances. This can help protect your children’s inheritance and ensure that they are able to access your assets without any legal issues.
Types of Trusts
- Testamentary trust – This type is set up when a person wants to leave a sum of money or property to someone else in their will.
- Grantor retained annuity trust – This type is created when an individual wants to set aside a fixed sum of money each year, typically for the benefit of another person or organization. Income from the annuity is paid directly to the beneficiary, often without tax being paid on it.
- Family limited partnership trust – This type is used to protect family interests while allowing outsiders limited access to the partnership’s profits and losses during the term of the trust agreement. The trustee must be approved by all interested family members, who may also serve as general partners in the business enterprise managed through the partnership.
- Living benefit trust – This type allows beneficiaries living at least one hundred miles away from the settlor (trustmaker) to receive income from the trust fund based on a percentage of their total estate value at death, rather than receiving a lump-sum payment.
How to Set Up a Trust?
If you are considering setting up a trust, there are a few things to consider. The best age to set it up depends on your individual circumstances, but typically, they become more beneficial as people get older. Here are some factors to consider:
- Will this benefit me or someone else? A trust is most beneficial if it benefits the person who creates it (the settlor), their estate, or beneficiaries they designate. If you only want to avoid probate, create a revocable living trust instead.
- Do I have the time and resources to manage it? While creating and managing it can be time consuming, it can also be an important way to protect your assets and ensure they are distributed according to your wishes.
- Am I prepared for potential tax consequences related to it? Depending on the type of trust you establish and the income, gains, or losses associated with it, you may be required to report certain aspects of the trust income on your yearly tax return. Additionally, some types may trigger special federal income taxes or estate taxes at death.
- How will my children benefit from my estate if I die without a will? When you create it, you appoint one or more trustees who have authority over your property until your children reach an age when they can legally handle their own finances. This ensures that your assets will go where you want them and that your children don’t inherit anything unless they qualify under state law.
Conclusion
There is no one definitive answer to this question, as it depends on a number of factors specific to your situation. However, if you are considering setting it up for the first time, or if you have any questions about what might be the best age to do so, we recommend speaking with an attorney who can provide guidance and help make sure that your trust is set up properly and meets all of your legal needs.
