
Real estate can be a powerful asset to build your wealth and provide financial independence. However, there may come a time when the “Three T’s” of real estate investing – Tenants, Trash, and Toilets – becomes old. While selling and sailing off into the sunset can appear alluring, the thought of settling up with the taxman can throw cold water onto the face of that dream. Fortunately, the tax code provides savvy real estate investors several options to sell, defer or eliminate capital gain taxes and maintain an income stream. A few possibilities include Delaware Statutory Trusts, Qualified Opportunity Funds, and Charitable Remainder Trusts.
In this article, we will explore Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs). DSTs can allow an accredited investor to say adios to the Three T’s while also putting off, and potentially eliminating, the unpleasant notion of settling with Uncle Sam.
WHAT IS A DELAWARE STATUTORY TRUST?
A Delaware Statutory Trust is an investment trust that you can use for real estate ownership of high-quality, professionally managed commercial properties that provide a passive, turn-key solution for completing a 1031 Exchange.
Investors in a DST are not direct owners of real estate. Instead, they own an undivided interest in the assets held by the trust.
The Delaware Statutory Trust holds title to the property for the benefit of the investors. Each DST is established and managed by a “sponsor.”
DSTs QUALIFY AS A 1031 LIKE-KIND EXCHANGE
The 1031 “like-kind” Exchange allows a real estate owner to defer capital gains (and depreciation recapture) taxes on a property sale when they use the proceeds to reinvest in qualifying properties. If exchanging into direct ownership of another property, you defer the taxes, but the Three T’s remain the investor’s responsibility.
The IRS recognizes Delaware Statutory Trusts as qualified replacement property for a 1031 Exchange. By owning an undivided interest in the trust assets, the investor can enjoy the benefits of real estate ownership without the hassles of being a landlord.
OTHER ADVANTAGES OF DELAWARE STATUTORY TRUSTS OVER DIRECT PROPERTY OWNERSHIP
Institutional Quality Real Estate. DST’s allow real estate investors access to large, high-quality commercial properties that may otherwise be out of their reach. Partnering with a respected sponsor with better access to institutional quality properties and expertise in property management can help you expand your options when looking for replacement property.
Diversification. Diversification helps to minimize risk in your investment portfolio. Many real estate investors tend to focus on one asset class, such as multi-family properties. Delaware Statutory Trusts provide you the opportunity to own a diversified real estate portfolio (e.g., warehouses, storage, essential retail, etc.). Additionally, DSTs can help you diversify your real estate portfolio geographically through ownership of quality properties in several areas of the country. For example, you can sell one property in Chicago, IL, and exchange the proceeds into multiple Delaware Statutory Trusts that own warehouses in Austin, TX, multi-family properties in Denver, CO, essential retail in Nashville, TN, self-storage in Tampa, FL, etc.
Passive Income. Many real estate investors want or need to replace the income stream from their investment property. A DST portfolio can provide you an income from multiple properties that can potentially meet or exceed the net income from the sold property. Most Delaware Statutory Trusts distribute income monthly. Passive income without the hassles of direct property ownership can be an attractive exit strategy for property owners.
Estate Planning Flexibility. You may prefer to manage your real estate property actively. Your spouse or heirs may not know how to take over that responsibility if something happens to you. DSTs can be a powerful estate planning tool because you can divide your interests amongst beneficiaries leaving each to decide what to do with their portion. Furthermore, the cost basis on the properties steps up to fair market value upon your death.
Closing with Confidence. Investors trying to complete a 1031 exchange can face uncertainty when identifying properties for an exchange and closing on the purchase within the required timeframe. Investing in Delaware Statutory Trusts may remove the uncertainty and hassle from the process. The Delaware Statutory Trust sponsor is responsible for doing the heavy lifting involved in setting up and managing the trust. You can close on the purchase of DSTs in short order compared to the time it often takes to close on a direct property purchase. This allows you to seamlessly transition from selling your property into owning a diversified Delaware Statutory Trust portfolio.
Possible Disadvantages. DSTs are illiquid investments and therefore are only appropriate for long term investment horizons. A typical DST may be liquidated by a sponsor after 5 to 10 years, and the investor will then have the option to exchange into another qualifying replacement property or to receive cash and pay any taxes due at that time. Also, Delaware Stutory Trusts are only available for accredited investors. Please read the disclosure at the end of this article.
Click here to read about other potential benefits of owning DSTs
DSTs can offer accredited investors some unique opportunities. Under the right circumstances, they can be an effective solution for real estate investors looking to eliminate the dreaded Three T’s of being a landlord while deferring or eliminating taxes, maintaining a rental income stream, and continuing to enjoy the benefits of property ownership. Consulting with an elite wealth manager who understands the unique needs of real estate investors can help you determine if owning Delaware Statutory Trusts is appropriate for your objectives.
DISCLOSURE & ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
To be an “accredited investor,” an individual must have had earned income that exceeded $200,000 (or $300,000 together with a spouse) in each of the prior two years and “reasonably expects the same for the current year.” Or, the individual must have a net worth of more than $1 million, either alone or together with a spouse, excluding one’s primary residence
The information included in this material is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for any financial or legal purposes. Arlington Capital Management Inc, dba Arlington Wealth Management (AWM) is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Our registration with the SEC or with any state securities authority does not imply a certain level of skill or training, nor are we selling you any product. Rather, we are seeking to provide you with advisory services. Please consult with your own tax and legal advisers before investing. AWM cannot and does not guarantee the performance of any investment. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.