Will My Father Lose Real Estate Tax Exemption if Property is Transferred to Trust?
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Question:
We are thinking of putting my dad’s home in a trust! He has a 15-year mortgage and we have been told if we do this then all the property tax and insurance will be based on my age and will skyrocket, since I would have the only interest in the property! Is this true? Would a life estate be better?
Response:
That’s an excellent question and one that’s often neglected. Often property owners get real estate tax benefits because the house is owner-occupied or they qualify as seniors, veterans, or individuals with disabilities. They can lose these if they change the form of ownership. The problem with answering your question is that it’s totally jurisdiction-dependent. Many cities and towns will extend the benefit to a revocable trust as long as the person residing in the house is one of the trustees. Others will not. As you suggest, many municipalities will accept life estates but not irrevocable trusts. To get an answer, you will have to ask the tax assessor in the town in which the property is located.
Related Articles:
What are the Tax Consequences if I Transfer Real Estate into Trust?
Property Tax Exemptions for Seniors
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