Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Personal Residence Trust Exception (QPRT)?
The trust property must consist solely of a residence to be used as a personal residence by persons holding term interests in the trust.
How does the Personal Residence Trust Exception (QPRT) work?
The zero-valuation rule for retained interests in trusts does not apply to trusts consisting of a personal residence, allowing for the use of Qualified Personal Residence Trusts (QPRTs) to transfer a home at a reduced gift tax cost.
What law authorizes the Personal Residence Trust Exception (QPRT)?
The Personal Residence Trust Exception (QPRT) is authorized under IRC §2702 of the Internal Revenue Code (Title 26, United States Code).
Statutory Text — IRC §2702
Source: Internal Revenue Code, Title 26, United States Code
§ 2702. Special valuation rules in case of transfers of interests in trusts(a) Valuation rules(1) In generalSolely for purposes of determining whether a transfer of an interest in trust to (or for the benefit of) a member of the transferor’s family is a gift (and the value of such transfer), the value of any interest in such trust retained by the transferor or any applicable family member (as defined in section 2701(e)(2)) shall be determined as provided in paragraph (2).
(2) Valuation of retained interests(A) In generalThe value of any retained interest which is not a qualified interest shall be treated as being zero.
(B) Valuation of qualified interestThe value of any retained interest which is a qualified interest shall be determined under section 7520.
(3) Exceptions(A) In generalThis subsection shall not apply to any transfer—(i) if such transfer is an incomplete gift,
(ii) if such transfer involves the transfer of an interest in trust all the property in which consists of a residence to be used as a personal residence by persons holding term interests in such trust, or
(iii) to the extent that regulations provide that such transfer is not inconsistent with the purposes of this section.
(B) Incomplete giftFor purposes of subparagraph (A), the term “incomplete gift” means any transfer which would not be treated as a gift whether or not consideration was received for such transfer.
(b) Qualified interestFor purposes of this section, the term “qualified interest” means—(1) any interest which consists of the right to receive fixed amounts payable not less frequently than annually,
(2) any interest which consists of the right to receive amounts which are payable not less frequently than annually and are a fixed percentage of the fair market value of the property in the trust (determined annually), and
(3) any noncontingent remainder interest if all of the other interests in the trust consist of interests described in paragraph (1) or (2).
(c) Certain property treated as held in trustFor purposes of this section—(1) In generalThe transfer of an interest in property with respect to which there is 1 or more term interests shall be treated as a transfer of an interest in a trust.
(2) Joint purchasesIf 2 or more members of the same family acquire interests in any property described in paragraph (1) in the same transaction (or a series of related transactions), the person (or persons) acquiring the term interests in such property shall be treated as having acquired the entire property and then transferred to the other persons the interests acquired by such other persons in the transaction (or series of transactions). Such transfer shall be treated as made in exchange for the consideration (if any) provided by such other persons for the acquisition of their interests in such property.
(3) Term interestThe term “term interest” means—(A) a life interest in property, or
(B) an interest in property for a term of years.
Showing first 3,000 characters of full section text.