An article released in the Wall Street Journal on October 19, 2006 talked about the IRS's plan to set limits on a deferral strategy that is causing some problems with Structured Sales. The PAT (Private Annuity Trust) had become popular and used widely during the real estate boom, but it currently under speculation. The IRS announced that new regulations will be set forth that will end the use of PATs for all transaction after October 18, 2006.

If you would like more information about the advantages of a Structured Sale, contact a New York structred settlement broker at Kleinick Law today!

An article published on June 1, 2006 in the Wall Street Journal pointed out some brief comparisons with Structured Sales and other plans.

Keeping the Tax Man at Bay

Sellers of appreciated property can choose from a variety of strategies designed to defer or cut capital-gains taxes. Here are some of the latest options:

STRATEGY	HOW IT WORKS	COMMENT
Structured Sale	You accept a series of installment payments for your property, thereby spreading out capital-gains taxes over years. The buyer doesn't make the payments directly; he pays a financial-services firm to issue them. This firm assumes buyer's future payment obligations and pays the seller thereafter.	Structured sales are a modern twist on traditional installment sales. In a traditional installment sale, the buyer might default on payments. With a Fortune 100 financial-services firm guaranteeing the payments this problem is eliminated.
Private Annuity Trust	You sell assets to a trust in exchange for annuity payments that last the rest of your life. Whatever's left in the trust when you die goes to your heirs free of estate taxes.	Allows you to defer capital-gains taxes and reduce estate taxes. But the widely promoted tactic is controversial and longer passes IRS muster.
1031 Exchange	The strategy allows you to defer capital-gains taxes by selling one property and quickly buying another property of equal or greater value.	1031 exchages have grown very popular, especially for real estate, but they on ly work for commercial or investment assets, and there are strict rules and deadlines.
Charitable Remainder Trust	You put assets into a trust and receive a regular payment streatm. When you die, what's left goes to a charity, for which you recieve an upfront tax deduction.	This safe strategy can reduce capital-gains, income, and estate taxes, but might not do much for your heirs.

Structured Sales utilize an annuity and employs proven installment sales techniques that have been used for decades. According to tax attorney Robert Wood of Wood & Porter, a "Structured Sale is a blend of an installment sale and a guaranteed payment stream."

The Structured Sale is a powerful tool to close deals and make lifelong clients. It should not be confused with the now defunct Private Annuity Trust. Feel free to email or call Creative Capital.

If you would like more information about the advantages of a Structured Sale, contact a licensed structred settlement broker at Kleinick Law today!