The Alameda California Qualified Personnel Residence Trust (PRT) is a legal arrangement that allows individuals to transfer their primary residence or vacation home into a trust, while still being able to reside in it for a specified term. This term can be predetermined, usually lasting between 10 and 20 years, after which the property is transferred to the final beneficiaries. A PRT serves as an estate planning tool, designed to reduce the potential estate tax burden on the property, thereby preserving its value for future heirs. By placing the property into the trust, the value of the property is effectively frozen, and any appreciation that occurs during the trust term is excluded from the granter's estate. The granter (creator of the trust) continues to live in the property during this term, enjoying all the benefits of homeownership, such as property tax deductions and maintenance responsibilities. However, it's essential to note that once the trust term expires, the property is no longer considered part of the granter's estate, meaning they must vacate the premises or pay rent to the new beneficiaries if they wish to continue living there. If the granter passes away during the trust term, the property will still be excluded from their estate, and it will pass on to the beneficiaries mentioned in the trust. While the Alameda California Qualified Personnel Residence Trust is largely standardized, there may be some variations or additional terms that can be customized based on individual needs and circumstances. These variations could include naming contingent beneficiaries, allowing for sale or leaseback agreements, or even creating multiple trusts for multiple properties. It is important to consult with a qualified estate planning attorney to determine the best approach for your specific situation. In summary, the Alameda California Qualified Personnel Residence Trust provides a means for reducing estate tax while retaining the ability to reside in a primary or vacation home for a set term. It ensures that the property's value is preserved for future generations and allows individuals to strategically plan their estate while enjoying the benefits of homeownership.
Para su conveniencia, debajo del texto en español le brindamos la versión completa de este formulario en inglés. For your convenience, the complete English version of this form is attached below the Spanish version.