Establishing a trust fund is part of estate planning and will ensure that your assets are properly distributed among your loved ones after your death.
How to Set Up a Trust Fund
Most of the time, people think that only the rich can set up a trust fund. However, you can set it up regardless of your financial situation. If you are concerned about leaving your legacy and taking care of the people most important to you, you should set up a trust. It is one of the best things you can do for your loved ones.
What is a trust fund?
Well, before going into how to set it up, let’s know what it is and how it works. A trust fund is a legal account that allows people to hold their assets on behalf of someone else. When you set up a trust, you transfer assets into it These assets will be held by a legal entity and disbursed only when the terms of the contract are met
You can place any type of asset in your trust on behalf of your loved one. From real cash, jewellery, cars, investment accounts, businesses and inheritances to properties. As long as it’s something your loved one can inherit, it’s fine.
A trust fund is similar to a will. However, they are more specific, personal, and may well be controlled while the donor is alive. They don’t have the same requirements to set up.
How does a trust fund work?
A trust fund requires three entities. Grantor – the person who sets up the trust, grantor – the beneficiary and Trustee – the person or organization administering the trust.
The grantor can choose to set up the trust in any way. And while the grantor is alive, the trustee will manage the account. Assets are held in the account until the grantor dies or becomes incapacitated.
Furthermore, the grantor can set up the trust and say that it should be paid when the beneficiaries reach a certain age. Or even direct the trust to pay school fees of the beneficiary. And as stated earlier, the assets will not be paid until the terms of the contract are fulfilled.
Steps to Set Up a Trust Fund
Setting up a trust fund is very easy. However, since this is a part of estate planning, there are several important steps you must take.
State the purpose of the trust fund
Before you set up your trust, you need to know why you want to open it. It is very important that you are clear about the purpose of the trust. So, you need to decide who you want to be the beneficiaries, what you want them to inherit and when you want them to receive your assets.
Knowing your goals for the trust will help you make other important decisions.
Determine the type of trust you want to establish
There are a variety of trusts including revocable, irrevocable, blind, education, endowment, special needs trusts and more. Each has a specific purpose it serves. However, you need to choose one based on your goals for setting it up.
Moreover, you can consult your financial advisor to set up which one is best for you.
Define the terms of the trust
After deciding on the type of trust you want to set up, you need to define the terms of the trust. This simply means that you have to choose your trustee and the assets that your trust should hold
You also need to clarify how the resources will be managed and distributed. Also, determine how long the trust should last and the conditions under which it should cease to operate.
Create legal trust documents
When you have defined the terms of your trust, you can proceed to make it legally binding. This is done by making them complete and enforceable based on the laws of your state. You can do this with the services of your attorney.
Your attorney will prepare a declaration of trust, deed of trust and other documents to formalize it.
Trust funds with assets
Once the trust is official, your next step should be to fund it. You will need to take your trust documents to a financial institution. And open an account for the trust in the same name you used to validate it
Moreover, you need to provide the details of the trustee. To fund a trust, you can deposit immediately or transfer over time.
Register your trust fund with the IRS
When you set up your trust fund, you must register it with the IRS for tax purposes. Then you will get a tax ID number for it. This number is required when you file your tax return.
FAQs
How much does it cost to set up a trust fund?
The amount required to set up a trust fund varies. If you set it up yourself, as little as $100 might be enough for you. However, with an estate planning attorney, you will pay more both for legal fees and for preparing the necessary documents.
What are some common mistakes people make when setting up a trust fund?
There are some common mistakes people make when setting up a trust fund
- Very early release of funds.
- Choosing the wrong trustee.
- Do regular trust monitoring.
- Adding very restrictive provisions for trusts.
- Not being clear about the purpose of the trust.
Does the trust fund get taxed?
Money taken from a trust is taxed. Beneficiaries must pay taxes on income and other distributions received from the trust. They will not, however, pay tax on the principal returned from the trust assets. However, funds in a trust are taxed differently from ordinary investment accounts
Are trust funds a good idea?
Trust funds can give you control over how your assets are distributed. Also, they are more personal and specific. They ensure that your loved ones receive your assets if you die or become too ill to work.
Does the trust fund pay monthly?
How the trust fund is paid depends on the terms of the agreement. Beneficiaries of a trust fund can receive money in small amounts monthly, quarterly or annually.
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