Friday, October 07, 2005

Case Study #2 - Private Annuity Trust

Usually, for appreciated real estate, I find the 1031 Exchange into a Tenant in Common Property carries the most advantages. But, there are some cases where the Private Annuity Trust is the way to go.

Ken and Nancy sold their apartment complex a year ago and purchased another. At that time, they paid no capital gains tax because they did a 1031 exchange for like kind property.

Ken began having health problems, and no longer wanted the management hassles of running a complex. Ken and Nancy have other real estate and didn't want to do another 1031 exchange. Since they need to slow down and enjoy life more, they wanted a larger income. They have no heirs.

Ken and Nancy formed a Private Annuity Trust and had transferred the complex into the trust after they'd found a buyer. The trust sold the property, and both Ken and Nancy will be receiving an income from that property for the rest of their lives. They will be paying small amounts of capital gains from each payment over the years, but most of that money (1 million dollars)will be working for them for years to come. They pay no penalties or extra interest, so the gains paid out over time are only the ones realized at the time of sale. Any monies left in the trust at their death will go to their favorite charity. If they'd had heirs, this money would have passed to them free of estate tax, gift tax, generation skipping tax, and transfer tax.

Ken can take it easy and hopefully live a less stressful and pleasant life. Nancy is grateful to have a steady income, a good portion of which is tax free, as it is a return of basis.

In this case, the Private Annuity Trust was the perfect solution.

Stayed tuned for the next case study coming soon.

Paula Straub
http://www.savegainstax.com
askpaula@savegainstax.com

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