Talk to an Advisor
1-800-USA-1031
GET STARTED

Transfer

Transfer refers to the process by which a beneficial interest in the trust is sold or conveyed from one party to another within a Delaware Statutory Trust. This is a flexible type of trust created under Delaware law that can be used for various purposes, including managing investment funds and holding title to investment real estate. In the realm of real estate, DSTs are often used to hold title to income-producing properties.

Here’s a breakdown of the concept:

  1. Beneficial Interest: When you invest in a DST, you are purchasing a “beneficial interest” in the trust. This means you are entitled to a proportionate share of the income, profits, and losses from the trust’s operation.
  2. Transfer of Interest: In a DST, investors may have the opportunity to transfer their beneficial interests in the trust to other parties. This could be for estate planning purposes, for liquidity, or for other personal financial reasons. The transfer process may be governed by the trust agreement and applicable laws, and it often involves legal documentation to effectuate the change in ownership.
  3. Regulations: Transfer of interests in a DST is typically subject to regulatory oversight, especially if the DST is structured as a security under federal securities laws. Such transfers might need to comply with securities law requirements, including restrictions on who can purchase the interests (accredited investors, for instance) and how they can be marketed.
  4. 1031 Exchanges: A notable feature of DSTs in real estate is their use in tax-deferred exchanges under Section 1031 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. Investors can “exchange” real estate by transferring the property to a DST and receiving beneficial interest in return, potentially deferring capital gains taxes.

Transfers within a DST are not as straightforward as selling shares in a publicly traded company. They typically require a more in-depth understanding of the trust’s governing agreement, approval by the trustee, and adherence to applicable securities and tax laws. Moreover, because DSTs are often used in 1031 exchanges, the Internal Revenue Service has specific guidelines on how and when such transfers can occur to maintain the tax-deferred status.