Are fees to set up a trust tax deductible?

Asked by: Tyrique Haag PhD  |  Last update: January 26, 2026
Score: 4.2/5 (15 votes)

If you seek legal advice regarding taxes on a trust – collecting or refunding estate taxes, for example – you can deduct these legal fees as miscellaneous deductions. However, the process of creating a trust is not deductible.

Are legal fees to set up a trust tax deductible?

Most estate planning fees fall under the category of miscellaneous deductions. Legal fees for the creation and management of a trust can also be deducted. Legal fees related to the collection and filing of estate taxes are also deductible.

Can trusts deduct tax preparation fees?

return for estates and trusts, tax preparation fees attributable to a trust would be deductible under section 67(e)(1).

Does setting up a trust reduce taxes?

False claim - Establishing a trust will reduce or eliminate income taxes or self-employment taxes. Truth - The transfer of assets to a trust will give the donor no additional tax benefit. Taxes must be paid on the income or assets held in trust, including the income generated by property held in trust.

Are set up costs tax deductible?

Examples of Start Up-Costs That are Immediately Deductible:

Costs incurred from setting up legal measures or business systems for the chosen business structure. Professional advice on the sustainability of a potential business (i.e., viability of a location or due diligence in relation to a new acquisition)

Are estate planning fees tax deductible in 2023?

22 related questions found

How much can you write off for startup costs?

The IRS permits deductions of up to $5,000 each for startup and organizational expenses in the year your business begins, provided your total startup costs are less than $50,000. Expenses beyond this limit can be amortized over 15 years.

Are fees tax-deductible?

No. Any fees you pay to buy, sell, or hold an asset or to collect interest or dividends are not eligible for income tax deduction.

What is the biggest mistake parents make when setting up a trust fund?

One of the biggest mistakes parents make when setting up a trust fund is choosing the wrong trustee to oversee and manage the trust. This crucial decision can open the door to potential theft, mismanagement of assets, and family conflict that derails your child's financial future.

What is the major disadvantage of a trust?

Establishing and maintaining a trust can be complex and expensive. Trusts require legal expertise to draft, and ongoing management by a trustee may involve administrative fees. Additionally, some trusts require regular tax filings, adding to the overall cost.

How much money should you have to set up a trust?

There is no minimum. You can create a trust with any amount of assets, as long as they have some value and can be transferred to the trust. However, just because you can doesn't necessarily mean you should. Trusts can be complicated.

Can you write off setting up a trust?

If you seek legal advice regarding taxes on a trust – collecting or refunding estate taxes, for example – you can deduct these legal fees as miscellaneous deductions. However, the process of creating a trust is not deductible.

What is the tax loophole for trusts?

The Loophole - The Intentionally Defective Grantor Trust

This means that the income generated by the trust is taxable to the grantor, but the trust's assets are not included in the grantor's estate for estate tax purposes.

Does a trust need to issue a 1099 for trustee fees?

Do I Have to Issue a 1099-Misc for a Trustee or Executor Fee Paid by a Trust or Estate? Reporting trustee fees by a trust on a Form 1099-Misc is not required. The 1099-Misc is for payment of services performed in a trade or business by people not treated as employees.

Are tax preparation fees deductible?

According to the IRS, "unless you're self-employed, tax preparation fees are no longer deductible in tax years 2018 through 2025 due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) that Congress signed into law on December 22, 2017. Self-employed taxpayers can still write off their tax prep fees as a business expense."

Can a trust deduct executor fees?

When preparing an estate or trust's income tax Form 1041, you may deduct fiduciary fees. Fiduciary fees are the amounts executors, administrators, or trustees charge for their services.

Are property taxes deductible in a trust?

Since the trust fully owns the property, any earnings on the property are trust income. Deductions, including property taxes, can be taken against this income, reducing the trust's net income.

Is it better to gift a house or put it in a trust?

Parents and other family members who want to pass on assets during their lifetimes may be tempted to gift the assets. Although setting up an irrevocable trust lacks the simplicity of giving a gift, it may be a better way to preserve assets for the future.

What is the downfall of having a trust?

Trusts offer amazing benefits, but they also come with potential downsides like loss of control, limited access to assets, costs, and recordkeeping difficulties.

Why do rich people put their homes in a trust?

Rich people frequently place their homes and other financial assets in trusts to reduce taxes and give their wealth to their beneficiaries. They may also do this to protect their property from divorce proceedings and frivolous lawsuits.

What accounts should not be in a trust?

There are a variety of assets that you cannot or should not place in a living trust. These include: Retirement accounts. Accounts such as a 401(k), IRA, 403(b) and certain qualified annuities should not be transferred into your living trust.

What is the downside of a family trust?

Rigidity: Family trusts are often inflexible, making it difficult to alter the terms once they are established. This rigidity can be problematic if family circumstances change, such as in cases of divorce, remarriage or changes in financial status.

What is the average amount of a trust fund?

Average trust fund amount

While some may hold millions of dollars, based on data from the Federal Reserve, the median size of a trust fund is around $285,000. That's certainly not “set for life” money, but it can play a large role in helping families of all means transfer and protect wealth.

Are legal fees for trust tax deductible?

For instance, if you hired an attorney to help establish an income trust for a beneficiary, typically a loved one or friend, you could have deducted the trust preparation and legal costs on your annual income tax return.

Are funding fees tax deductible?

Yes, the VA funding fee is tax-deductible. You can deduct the amount you paid for the VA funding fee, along with your mortgage interest, from your income on your tax return. However, if you roll the funding fee into your mortgage, you can only deduct the amount you paid that year.

Can I deduct fees paid to a financial advisor?

While you can no longer deduct financial advisor fees, there are some other tax breaks you may be able to take advantage of as an investor. First, if you're investing in a 401(k) or similar plan at your workplace, you get the benefit of having those contributions automatically deducted from your taxable income.