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New Member
posted Jun 5, 2019 6:07:49 PM

How to allocate trust capital gain on a trustee return (form 1041) in a year that there are distributions to beneficiaries.

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4 Best answers
Level 15
Jun 5, 2019 6:07:51 PM

"How to allocate trust capital gain on a trustee return.....in a year that there are distributions to beneficiaries."

 

If the trust instrument and local law allow you to allocate capital gain to the beneficiaries, then the allocation, using TurboTax Business, is done as shown in the screenshots below.

 

Further, do not forget to make an actual distribution in the Distributions section of the program.

Level 15
Jun 25, 2019 5:44:12 PM


@cdbrown54 wrote:

How can I get the screenshots for this reply?  Thanks,


See below.

 

Level 15
Aug 23, 2022 2:45:37 PM


@relyonendyind416 wrote:

Is it true that when the capital gain is distributed to the beneficiary, the capital gain will be taxed at the beneficiary level so the trust does not pay tax on the capital gain? 


Yes. However, you need to follow the exact procedure (outlined above) in TurboTax Business. 

 

Ensure that you have allocated gain to income and to the beneficiaries. Thereafter, ensure that you have actually made a distribution.

 

Check your K-1s and 1041 in Forms Mode.

Level 15
Aug 24, 2022 10:31:32 AM

In addition, look at the section of your K-1 depicted in the screenshot below. You should see figures in Lines 3 and 4a.

 

21 Replies
Level 15
Jun 5, 2019 6:07:51 PM

"How to allocate trust capital gain on a trustee return.....in a year that there are distributions to beneficiaries."

 

If the trust instrument and local law allow you to allocate capital gain to the beneficiaries, then the allocation, using TurboTax Business, is done as shown in the screenshots below.

 

Further, do not forget to make an actual distribution in the Distributions section of the program.

New Member
Jun 25, 2019 2:05:16 PM

How can I get the screenshots for this reply?  Thanks,

Level 15
Jun 25, 2019 5:44:12 PM


@cdbrown54 wrote:

How can I get the screenshots for this reply?  Thanks,


See below.

 

Level 15
Jun 25, 2019 5:47:26 PM

Screenshot of the distribution section appears below.

 

Level 2
Aug 23, 2022 1:52:32 PM

Is it true that when the capital gain is distributed to the beneficiary, the capital gain will be taxed at the beneficiary level so the trust does not pay tax on the capital gain?  When I entered the capital gains based on the screens, the tax increased at the trust level while the capital gains show up in K1 too.  Does not make sense.  Please help.

Level 15
Aug 23, 2022 2:45:37 PM


@relyonendyind416 wrote:

Is it true that when the capital gain is distributed to the beneficiary, the capital gain will be taxed at the beneficiary level so the trust does not pay tax on the capital gain? 


Yes. However, you need to follow the exact procedure (outlined above) in TurboTax Business. 

 

Ensure that you have allocated gain to income and to the beneficiaries. Thereafter, ensure that you have actually made a distribution.

 

Check your K-1s and 1041 in Forms Mode.

Level 2
Aug 24, 2022 10:08:34 AM

I thought I did exactly outlined in the screenshots.  Using the example in your screenshots, for the screen shot for short-term gain, I entered $3000; for the screenshot for long-term gain, I entered $2000.  Do I need to enter anything "Gains attribute to income"?  For "percentage to distribution", 100%.  The result, K1 is right. The tax under trust increased a lot.  Thanks again for help.

Level 15
Aug 24, 2022 10:10:32 AM


@relyonendyind416 wrote:

Do I need to enter anything "Gains attribute to income"? 


Yes. You need to enter all of the gain that you intend to distribute (as allocated to income).

Level 2
Aug 24, 2022 10:13:42 AM

Thank you so much for the quick reply.  Do you mean that I need to enter $5000 for the screen "Enter gains attributable to income"?  You know the system better than the CPA I talked to from Turbo tax.  Thanks again

Level 15
Aug 24, 2022 10:15:08 AM


@relyonendyind416 wrote:

Do you mean that I need to enter $5000 for the screen "Enter gains attributable to income"? 


Yes, exactly, based upon your stated intention to distribute all of the gains.

Level 2
Aug 24, 2022 10:15:39 AM

Ps the goal is no tax at the Trust level.  All tax are paid at the beneficiary level.  Thanks again

Level 15
Aug 24, 2022 10:17:21 AM


@relyonendyind416 wrote:

....the goal is no tax at the Trust level.  All tax are paid at the beneficiary level.


If you distribute all of the income (including capital gains allocated to income), there should be no tax at the trust level.

Level 2
Aug 24, 2022 10:21:06 AM

K1 looks right. However, the tax liability under the trust doubled.  I am missing something.  Please help.  Thx

Level 15
Aug 24, 2022 10:26:01 AM

If your K-1 "looks right" but your tax liability under the trust doubled then we are either both missing something or you are not interpreting what you are seeing correctly.

 

Unfortunately, I cannot see your return which makes it difficult (if not impossible) to troubleshoot effectively.

 

I will suggest that you enter Forms Mode and carefully review your 1041 and your K-1.

 

Frankly, if you are entering the data correctly, you should not be seeing a correct K-1 (for your scenario) coupled with tax liability for the trust.

Level 15
Aug 24, 2022 10:31:32 AM

In addition, look at the section of your K-1 depicted in the screenshot below. You should see figures in Lines 3 and 4a.

 

Level 2
Aug 24, 2022 10:33:45 AM

You are right.  I have to restart Turbo tax.  Now K1 is right and very little tax ($17) under trust.  Now sure how the $17 occurs, but it is good enough.  Thank you so much!

Level 2
Aug 24, 2022 10:35:57 AM

yes I do see numbers on 3 and 4 on the K1.  How may I let Turbo tax know how great you are? thx

Level 15
Aug 24, 2022 10:40:40 AM

Glad it worked out for you. No problem and you are most welcome.

Level 2
Aug 31, 2022 8:20:55 AM

Hi, may I trouble you for another question?

 

May you share where to enter K1 information issued to a disregarded LLC information in 1041?  The LLC is wholly owned by the trust.  Thx

New Member
Mar 31, 2025 10:44:30 AM

How to I allocate all cap gain to the beneficiary on a Complex Trust?

Expert Alumni
Apr 2, 2025 8:47:03 PM

First you have to determine if state law and the governing instrument of the trust allows for the distribution of capital gains from a complex trust.  If it is allowed, you would allocate the capital gains to fiduciary accounting income (FAI) which will make them available for distributable net income (DNI).