Iowa House Bill HSB4

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/23
• Refer: 1/11/23

Caption

A bill for an act relating to an exception to the real estate transfer tax for deeds that transfer distributions of assets to beneficiaries of a trust.(See HF 111.)

Impact

Should HSB4 be enacted, it will revise Section 428A.2 of the Iowa Code, thereby easing the procedures related to real estate transfer after a trust distribution. Specifically, beneficiaries of trusts will no longer be required to submit a declaration of value when transferring real estate assets which significantly reduces both bureaucratic processes and potential costs tied to such transfers. This change could be beneficial for many families dealing with estates, making the transfer of property smoother during potentially difficult times.

Summary

House Study Bill 4 (HSB4) proposes an amendment to the existing real estate transfer tax law, specifically designed to create an exception for deeds that transfer distributions of assets to beneficiaries of a trust. The objective of this legislation is to simplify the process and lessen the financial burden associated with real estate transfers that are a result of trust distributions. By eliminating the necessity for a declaration of value for these specific transactions, the bill aims to streamline administrative procedures related to inheritance and asset management.

Contention

While the bill addresses a practical issue by simplifying the transfer process, it may have raised concerns regarding the implications for state revenue derived from real estate transactions. Opponents might argue that providing such exemptions could lead to a significant loss of tax income, subsequently affecting funding for various state projects. However, specific contention points were not highlighted in the provided documents, indicating a possible consensus or a lack of significant debate on HSB4.