What is Accumulation Distribution? A Comprehensive Legal Overview

Definition & Meaning

Accumulation distribution refers to the amount that a trust can retain in a given tax year, which is calculated by subtracting the trust's distributable net income from specific amounts defined in tax regulations. This figure is important for determining how much income is available for distribution to beneficiaries and how much may be subject to taxation.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

For instance, if a trust has $50,000 specified for distribution in a tax year and a distributable net income of $30,000, the accumulation distribution would be $20,000. This amount can be retained by the trust for future distributions.

(hypothetical example) If a trust retains $10,000 in income and has a total distributable net income of $15,000, the accumulation distribution for that year would be $0, as it cannot be reduced below zero.

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition
Distributable Net Income The total income of a trust that can be distributed to beneficiaries, which may be different from accumulation distribution.
Accumulated Income Income that has been retained by the trust rather than distributed, which contributes to the accumulation distribution calculation.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are a trustee or a beneficiary and accumulation distribution applies to your trust, it is important to understand how it affects your tax obligations. You may want to consult a tax professional or an attorney specializing in trust law to ensure compliance with tax regulations. Additionally, you can explore US Legal Forms for templates that can help you manage trust-related documentation effectively.

Quick facts

  • Typical fees: Varies based on trust management.
  • Jurisdiction: Federal tax law applies.
  • Possible penalties: Tax penalties for improper distribution handling.

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

It is the amount by which a trust's specified distributions exceed its distributable net income for a given tax year.