The Ins and Outs of Trusts

Some of the public does not know what a trust is. Others think it is merely for the rich. Many others have come to me and said something like “I need a trust,” as if it is aspirin or some panacea. What most of the public (and most non-estate planning attorneys) don’t realize is that there are roughly 65 different types of trusts. Some are more broad than others, some are quite specialized, and many share similar features. This brief overview should be a simple reminder for the seasoned practitioner, or a starting point for those new to the wonderful world of trusts.

See also: Estate Planning for Beginners

First, let’s start with the basics. The trust has three “points” — a grantor (also called a settlor or a trustmaker), a trustee, and one or more beneficiaries. The grantor creates the trust, the trustee carries out the instructions of the trust, and the beneficiary benefits from the trust. In some circumstances, the grantor may wear all three hats.

Grantor or non-grantor? Included in the estate or excluded? Available to the beneficiary? Beneficiary’s ability to control part or all of the trust? These probably rank highest in the architecture of the trust, so let’s attack those first.

Grantor trust versus non-grantor trust

A grantor trust is a trust where the grantor has retained certain control over the trust. Any trust income is taxed on the grantor’s personal tax return (1040), at the grantor’s personal income tax rates. Conversely, a non-grantor trust’s income is not taxed to the grantor, and the trust is taxed at the compressed (usually higher) trust rates on a trust tax return (1041).

Non-grantor trusts are taxed at the maximum marginal rate of 35% once they produce more than $11,350 a year in income, whereas an individual earning $11,350 would only be subject to a 15% tax. Therefore, care must be taken in the selection of a non-grantor Trust.

Estate inclusion or estate exclusion

  If the grantor has certain rights or too much control, the trust will be included in the grantor’s estate upon death. Estate inclusion may be desirable, for example, if the grantor has a modest estate and the assets have appreciated since the grantor obtained them. By including the assets in the estate, there will be a “step up in basis” upon the grantor’s death. In other words, if a share of stock cost the grantor $10 and is worth $110 upon the grantor’s death, the beneficiary will receive that stock at the $110 level and can sell the stock for $110 without a capital gains tax. If the stock was placed in a trust excluded from the grantor’s estate (a “completed gift”), then the beneficiary will receive the stock at the grantor’s cost basis (being $10 in this example), and if the stock is sold for $110, there will be a capital gains of $100. The tug of war between estate inclusion and estate exclusion can be complicated, and it is strongly suggested that an experienced attorney is consulted on such matters to avoid significant tax errors (and malpractice).

Mixing and matching 

For some estates and under certain circumstances, the family may be served by a variety of the aforementioned set-ups. For example, a revocable living trust is a grantor trust (income taxed to the grantor) and included in the grantor’s estate. Income will be taxed at the grantor’s personal rates, and the assets will enjoy a step up in basis upon the grantor’s death. The same grantor might also benefit from a Medicaid trust, which will often be a grantor trust (income taxed to the grantor). Yet, the grantor will have no control of the assets, and the assets may or may not be included in the grantor’s estate upon death. Usually, with a small enough estate, the assets will be included in the grantor’s estate (for federal estate tax purposes) to enjoy the step up in basis. The same family could also potentially benefit from a Medicaid trust (or other trust) that might be a grantor trust (taxed to the grantor) but is excluded from the estate. Non-appreciated assets would be more appropriate in that trust.