A trust is a legal process that permits individuals to transfer ownership of the asset to the trust which is maintained by the trustee. This method can give several advantages, including protection from creditors and litigation, tax advantages, privacy and wealth preservations for future generations. In this blog, we will discuss the process to transfer a property through Trust.
Meaning of Property
Any tangible or intangible asset[1] that is owned, managed, and transferred is referred to as property in legal parlance. Real land, personal belonging, money, stocks, bonds, and intellectual property are a few examples of property. In legal context the property is of two types, real property and personal property. Land and everything permanently affixed to it, such as structures or improvements, are referred to as real property. While on the other hand, all the property that is not real property is considered as personal property.
Transfer of property means an act by which a living person conveys property, in present or in future, to one or more other living persons, or to himself and one or more other living persons; and “to transfer property” is to perform such act.
Meaning Of Trust and Beneficiaries
A trust is a legal process on which one party, known as the grantor, who transfers the property to a different party, who will retain it and administer it for the benefit of one or more beneficiaries. Beneficiaries are the people or entities that are entitled to receive a trust’s or an estate’s benefits or assets. They are the individuals or groups that will benefit or receive the possession of the property that has been given to the trustee or executor for management.
The trustee is in charge of overseeing the trust’s asset and enforcing the conditions specified in the trust agreement. The beneficiaries are entitled to the advantages of the trust property.
The trust is created with the help of property. The primary component for establishing a trust is the property. Making sure that the beneficiaries receive the benefits of that agreement is the primary reason of the trust.
Types of Trusts
Depending on the reason for which they were established and the nature of the beneficiaries, trusts can be categorized as:
- Private
Trust:
A private trust is a trust that is established for the benefit of specific people, such as the members of family of close acquaintances. These trusts are generally utilized for estate planning, such as lowering the estate taxes or for providing for special needs to loved ones. Living trusts, which are established during the grantor’s lifetime, and testamentary trusts, which are established after the grantor’s death are the examples of private trusts.
The grantor of a private trust typically retains an extensive authority over the trust property and can amend the rules of the trust or terminate it entirely. Private trusts are usually liable to inheritance and gift taxes.
- Public
Trust:
A public trust is a trust established to benefit the entire public or a specific group of individuals. These trusts are often used for charitable or non-profit objectives, such as providing educational or cultured opportunities, protecting natural resources or preserving historical places etc.
A grantor’s influence is more limited in Public trust, and the trust property is typically maintained by a board of trustees or other governing body. A public trust may be tax-exempt.
Further public trusts are divided into two categories:
- Public Charitable Trusts:
A Public charitable trust is a trust that is established to promote philanthropic objectives, such as education, medical care, and the welfare of the poor and underprivileged. These trusts are usually overseen by the board of trustees and are tax-exempt under Indian law.
- Public
Religious Trusts:
Public religious trust, on the other hand, is a trust which is established to promote and manage religious organization, properties and activities. These trusts are similarly overseen by the board of trustees and are tax-exempt under Indian law. Temples, mosques, churches and other places to worship are some examples of Public religious trust.
Appointment of a Trustee
A trustee is someone who has the ability to manage assets. A person is not required to accept the responsibility. Since the trustee has to carry out many duties like carrying out the objective of the fund. The trustee has to be explicit about it in both words and actions. The trust deed specifies the trustees’ authority. While the trustee’s authority may change depending on the structure’s requirement. Generally, a trust has a broad authority that not only included him/her to oversee the trust’s daily operations and distribute funds to beneficiaries but also gives him the ability to change the trust deed itself. Hence the appointment of a trustee is a very crucial step.
Conditions for the Formation of a Trust
Anyone who is able to form a legal contract, that is, someone who is at least 18 years old, of sound mind and not otherwise barred by the law can establish a trust.
A trust must have a valid trust deed, that specifies all the trust’s terms and conditions, including its objectives, trustees and beneficiaries. A trust must contain a property, so the existence of a property is a must. A trust must have at least one trustee to oversee the administration of the property. To establish a trust there should be a specific goal in mind. A trust can be created anytime when the person is alive. A trust can also be created after death by will.
Things to Consider When Transferring the Property through Trust
There are a number of crucial aspects to take into consideration regarding the complex procedure to transfer a property through a trust. Ensuring that the trust is correctly established and that all the legal criteria are satisfied is the first step. This entails creating a trust agreements that included all the terms and conditions of the trust and selecting a trustee to be in charge of administering the trust’s assets.
The tax ramifications of putting property into trust should then be taken into account. Depending on the kind of trust, there can be different taxes that can be needed to be paid. A professional help should be taken to make sure that all the tax implications as well as legal implications are satisfied.
The selection of beneficiaries is a vital factor as well. Beneficiaries are the individuals or entities that will benefit from the trust’s assets. It is vital to select beneficiaries who can handle the assets and treat them properly in accordance with the trust’s terms.
Last but not the least, it’s essential to confirm that the assets are correctly transferred into trust. This entails transferring the property’s title as well as other pertinent papers, such as deeds and mortgages. In order to make sure that all the legal criteria are completed, it is crucial to deal with a competent lawyer.
Benefits of Transfer a Property Though Trust
Some of the benefits of transfer a property though trust are:
- Asset Protection: Trust can act as an additional layer of defense against creditors, litigation and other legal claims.
- Inheritance Planning: Assets may be managed and passed down to the future generations through trusts, which can also assist to reduce estate taxes and protect wealth.
- Privacy: Assets and financial information can be kept private and out of public record by using trusts.
- Control: Even after the assets have been given to the trustee, trusts can be utilized to maintain control over them.
- Flexibility: Trusts may be modified or cancelled if the circumstances change, and they can be adapted to fit particular requirements and aims.
- Avoiding Probate: Probate can be avoided by using trusts to transfer assets instead of going through this time-consuming and expensive procedure.
- Planning For Special Needs: Trusts can be used to make provisions for loved ones with such requirements, assuring their future care.
- Tax Saving: By using trusts, the income taxes, capital gains taxes and inheritance taxes can be reduced. To avoid paying a trust should be set up as soon as a person or his/her family relocates to a different. This provides a more organizational flexibility along with safeguarding the property.
Conclusion
It is possible to transfer a property through trust. The concept of trust revolves around the 3 parties. The first party is the grantor. The second party is the trustee of the property and the last party is the beneficiary. These parties each have their own set of rights and responsibilities, which are outlined in the trust deed. It is essential to keep in mind that to transfer a property from a trust can be a complicated procedure and it is also advised to seek a professional advice to complete the procedure appropriately. A trust is a helpful instrument for safe guarding the assets. Transfer a property involves various steps. It is essential to consider the impact that the beneficiaries of the trust. Transfer a property through trust can provide many benefits.
Also Read:
Know The Advantage Of Trust Registration In India
Cancellation Grounds For Trust Registration 2020: New Changes
Trust: Definition, Advantage, And Types
