What CPAs Should Know About Trusts

Accounting Today

Many estate planners recommend that clients create trusts for various reasons, but problems can arise when the trustee is a family member who has no experience regarding the responsibilities of a trustee In many cases the trustee selected by the creator of the trust is not capable of handling the responsibilities that are involved in administering a trust. The trustee should always engage a qualified CPA to assist in administering the trust. The trustee is subject to a number of obligations, including maintaining adequate records, making investment decisions, reading and interpreting the provisions of the trust document, making sure the annual fiduciary income tax returns are filed in a timely manner, and making distributions in accordance with the terms of the trust.