Asked 4 months ago - Yakima, WA
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Real estate was left in a trust for 2 beneficiarys. Along with the resl estate there are two loans against the properties in the trust. The beneficiarys do not want to assume the debt of the two loans. Although the properties can be sold it will take time and one of the properties has rental income which is currently paying the debt payments. Can the properties be transfered into the beneficiary's names and if they are transfered can the beneficiarys take tax deductions on the rental expenses etc. I guess I am trying to figure out tax wise how the beneficiarys may be effected if properties are transfered. These properties reside in California, Idaho and Oregon.
Thanks
JB
Whether or not the properties can be transferred to the beneficiaries depends on the terms of the trust. You may also wish to consult an accountant or CPA to learn more about the tax issues. I would start with an attorney in the state where the trust was written (or the state who's laws govern it) to get an interpretation of the trust terms.
Taxes are being paid on this, whether the property is in the trust OR the beneficiary's names. The difference is that trusts and estates have a steeper tax bracket than individuals. So it is likely that your tax burden would decrease slightly, if the property was transferred to the beneficiaries. The beneficiaries do not need to "assume" the debt. The property is held, subject to the debt, but the individual beneficiaries are not personally liable. Of course, the flip side is that, if the debt is not paid, the property can be foreclosed. Since it sounds like the income from the rental is more than covering the expenses, I do not know why you would not want to either keep these properties or sell them for a profit.
James Frederick
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