I want to add my registered domestic partner to the deed of my house. Do I have to pay transfer taxes to do this?

Attorney answers (3)

1. Licensed in CA

   

   Amanda Cook

   San Diego Estate Planning Attorney

   Contributor Level 14

   3

   Lawyers agree

   Answered December 19, 2012 16:37. Generally, when you are adding your spouse or RDP, it is considered a gift and would therefore be exempt from transfer tax. Cal. R&T 11930. Additionally, your property tax value will not be reassessed. However, because your relationship is not recognized as a spousal relationship for federal/IRS purposes, you are not making an interspousal gift (exempt from gift tax). Depending on the value(s) of the property, this could dramatically affect your gift tax situation. As such, you really ought to speak with someone who is knowledgeable about estate planning, real property, tax, and RDP issues. You can structure the transaction such that you may avoid excessive gift and estate tax. Since the Supreme Court has decided it will take on the issues of DOMA and CA Prop. 8, the gift tax issue may go away eventually.

   THESE COMMENTS ARE NOT LEGAL ADVICE. They are provided for informational purposes only. Actual legal advice can... moreTHESE COMMENTS ARE NOT LEGAL ADVICE. They are provided for informational purposes only. Actual legal advice can only be provided after consultation by an attorney licensed in your jurisdiction. The answer to question does not create an attorney-client relationship or otherwise require further consultation. Mrs. Cook is licensed to practice law throughout the state of California with offices in San Diego County. She is authorized to handle IRS matters throughout the United States, and is also licensed to practice before the United States Tax Court. IRS CIRCULAR 230 DISCLOSURE: To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the IRS, please be advised that any U.S. federal tax advice contained in this communication (including any attachments) is not intended or written to be used or relied upon, and cannot be used or relied upon, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code, or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein. less

   • Mark as helpful
   • Flag
2. Licensed in CA

   

   William BurbankPro

   Fullerton Business Attorney

   Contributor Level 12

   

   EmailVisit website

   Answered December 20, 2012 18:36. As was mentioned there are gift tax issues involved here. You don't have to worry about the county transfer taxes, but the federal transfer taxes (estate and gift tax) can be very steep. That said, there may not be a real issue. Here is what you have to consider. If you add your partner to the title you are making a gift of 1/2 of your equity in the property. If the house is paid off this is probably a big gift. If there is a lot of debt on the house the gift may not be that big. This year, for the next 11 days, you may give away $5,120,000 with no gift tax. However, to the extent your gift is over $13,000 it will burn up your lifetime credit that is set to go back to $1,000,000 in 11 days. If your estate, plus the total of all the taxable gifts you made during your lifetime, is under $1,000,000 then you will have nothing to worry about. But if it is over $1,000,000 then it will be taxed at about 50%. Regardless of the tax issues, you should sit with a lawyer that is experienced in working with same sex couples. There are different rules, at least until we get DOMA stricken from the books, for gay couples. Some rules are in your favor and some are against you. It would be very good to see an attorney before DOMA is ruled on because some of the options will then go away. (the specific technique i am talking about is called a Grantor Retained Income Trust)

   Every situation is different, it is important to discuss your legal issue with a knowledgeable attorney in your... moreEvery situation is different, it is important to discuss your legal issue with a knowledgeable attorney in your jurisdiction. To schedule an appointment with me please contact me at 800 220-4205 or www.MartyBurbankLaw.com less

   • Mark as helpful
   • Flag
3. 

   Michael Miller

   Jefferson City Real Estate Attorney

   Contributor Level 14

   Answered December 20, 2012 07:54. In Missouri, I would encourage you to file a beneficiary deed that would provide the property to your partner upon your death as a non-probate transfer. In doing so, if your relationship with the partner terminates, you may then terminate the beneficiary deed though subsequent filing and you have no tax consequences at all. Good luck and check CA law to see if this is available.

   NOTE: The use of the Internet for communications with the firm or this attorney will not establish an attorney-... moreNOTE: The use of the Internet for communications with the firm or this attorney will not establish an attorney-client relationship and messages containing confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent. less

   • Mark as helpful
   • 1 comment
   • Flag