Can a Trust Help You Save on State Income Taxes?

senior couple with financial advisor

 

Of course, when it comes to lowering taxes almost all taxpayers first and foremost focus on taxes at the federal level. There are of course many ways to save on federal income taxes and the majority of taxes we all pay go to the federal government. So it makes sense that most taxpayers put the lion’s share of their tax-saving efforts towards their federal tax bill. However, depending on which state you live in you could save a nice chunk on your state income tax as well.

There is a certain tax-saving strategy that has been growing in popularity the past few years among the wealthy. They are using trusts to help reduce their exposure to state income tax rates. Incomplete gift non-grantor trusts (ING trusts) can help transfer the tax exposure of those who live in high-tax states like California to a state with no income tax like Texas, Florida or Nevada.

Many of the nation’s wealthy families and individuals who have been using this ING trust strategy, which has grown in popularity over the last 10 years, are reaping the rewards. That’s because ING trusts can help the wealthy lower the state income tax at the trust level. This is especially true if they are nearing a substantial gain.

However, it’s important for anyone setting up an ING trust to do it before there is any intent, or letter or sales discussion that would lead to a given gain. You don’t want it to look like you are setting up the trust simply to avoid taxes. For more information on ING trusts contact GROCO.

http://www.cnbc.com/2016/08/02/how-the-wealthy-use-ing-trusts-to-slash-the-state-income-tax-rate-they-pay.html

Posted in
Paul Thomas

Intel Chief Economist | Paul Thomas

About Paul Thomas Paul Thomas is chief economist and manager of market sizing and forecasting at Intel Corporation in Santa Clara, Calif. He joined Intel in December, 2004, after working at Continental Airlines in Houston, Texas, from 1997 to 2004 and as chief economist from 2001 to 2004. Paul was senior economist at Douglas Aircraft…

Jake Lipman

Immigration Law | Jake Lipman

About Jake Lipman Jake Lipman has practiced immigration law for over ten years. His practice focuses on employment-based immigration, counseling employers in complex immigration practice and policy concerns. Over the years, he has supported multinational and domestic organizations of all sizes and from every major industry. Jakob has lectured on immigration-related subjects in a variety…

Manoj Fernando

Disruptive Business Education | Manoj Fernando

About Manoj Fernando Through his global work experience, including six Silicon Valley startups, Manoj has learned much about business and entrepreneurship — often the hard way. When he had the opportunity to teach Executive MBA students he realized he was lacking in real-life business education. In particular, the relevant basic building blocks of Silicon Valley’s…

Leigh Perkins

Factors of Success | Leigh Perkins

About Leigh Perkins Hunting big game in India, Morocco, and Scotland, Orvis Chairman Leigh Perkins has dedicated his life to outdoor sporting pursuits. His passion extends well beyond mere participation, however; Perkins has been one of the sporting life’s great ambassadors, sharing his passion with everyone within reach, from working people to presidents. Under Perkins’…