[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]By Katherine R. Dorval[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”32px”][vc_column_text]Many people may have heard of nominee trusts, but some may not know how they differ from typical trusts. The defining feature of a nominee trust is that the trustees have no power to act without the authorization of the beneficiaries (the actual owners of the trust property). The Trustees of a typical trust, however, usually have some discretionary power over the trust assets.
The nominee trust is usually used to hold real estate, in which case the trust must be recorded at the registry of deeds. Although the trust must have beneficiaries, they do not need to be listed in the trust instrument. In fact, they are usually listed in a separate “Schedule of Beneficial Interests,” which may remain confidential since it need not be recorded. This feature makes the nominee trust an attractive option for those who wish to avoid revealing the true owners of the subject real estate. A nominee trust can also be used to 1) simplify title where there are several owners of real estate, 2) avoid passing title to real estate through a probate estate, which can be time consuming and expensive, and 3) give away real estate over time without having to file a deed each time a gift is made.
Because the beneficiaries truly own and control the trust property, it is the beneficiaries who are responsible for taxes attributable to the trust property and who are entitled to the benefit of any related tax deductions.
The nominee trust is an extremely cost-effective real estate holding device in comparison with some other options. The recording fee for the trust is $225.00 in Massachusetts with no annual reporting requirement. A Massachusetts limited liability company (“LLC”), on the other hand, costs $500.00 to file and $500.00 to renew each year. A nominee trust does not, however, provide the same limited liability to its trustees and beneficiaries that an LLC can provide. Trustees and beneficiaries of a nominee trust could be personally liable in tort and contract for claims in connection with the trust property, which means that a nominee trust may not be an appropriate vehicle for properties particularly vulnerable to tort and contract claims (e.g., commercial or rental property).
If you are seeking owner anonymity, simplification of title or a vehicle for making gifts, the nominee trust may be an attractive option for you.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
