SD Advantage

SDTA’s mission is to serve as the professional and trade association for South Dakota’s fiduciary services and trust industry by promoting, educating and supporting professionals and organizations involved in the trust industry in South Dakota.

The South Dakota Advantage

The most progressive trust laws in the country

South Dakota has been at the forefront of creating the most progressive trust laws in the country for over 30 years.

Directed Trusts

Directed Trusts, only available in a handful of states across the country including South Dakota, continue to drastically change the trust world through unbundling asset management and trust administration functions, putting control back into the hands of settlors, beneficiaries, and their advisors.

Asset Protection

Domestic Asset Protection Trusts are a formidable planning strategy that legally shields assets from third party liability (including spouses in a divorce proceeding) and law suits while permitting settlors to retain some control over the trust assets and enjoy a discretionary benefit during their lifetime.

The South Dakota Advantage

The most progressive trust laws in the country

South Dakota has been at the forefront of creating the most progressive trust laws in the country for over 30 years.

Directed Trusts

Directed Trusts, only available in a handful of states across the country including South Dakota, continue to drastically change the trust world through unbundling asset management and trust administration functions, putting control back into the hands of settlors, beneficiaries, and their advisors.

Asset Protection

Domestic Asset Protection Trusts are a formidable planning strategy that legally shields assets from third party liability (including spouses in a divorce proceeding) and law suits while permitting settlors to retain some control over the trust assets and enjoy a discretionary benefit during their lifetime.

SD Trust Initiatives

We encourage members to consider sharing a measure of their success with all South Dakotans through contributions to the Trust for the Future Fund and by engaging in volunteer opportunities.

MARKETING/BRANDING

LOBBYING/TRUST LAW PROTECTION

EDUCATION

PHILANTHROPY

No Rule Against Perpetuities

Driven by state law, South Dakota law allowed for the one of the first Dynasty Trust in the nation by abolishing the rule against perpetuities. Dynasty Trusts avoid federal taxation on trust assets forever because there is never a forced distribution of assets.

No State Income Tax

South Dakota does not have an income tax and, therefore, does not tax retained income in trusts. Therefore, there is a simple and compelling tax planning opportunity by properly situsing a trust in South Dakota.

Privacy Laws

Most states do not have provisions or laws protecting trust information from being revealed to beneficiaries or to the public during litigation. South Dakota clearly has the most robust privacy provisions in the nation rendering that state the trust jurisdiction of choice for wealthy families from all over the world.

Very Low Premium Tax on Life Insurance Policies

Typical premium tax charges run between 150 and 250 basis points annually.  South Dakota’s insurance premium tax is among the lowest in the nation at 8 basis points.

Flexible Decanting and Reformation Statutes

No Rule Against Perpetuities

Driven by state law, South Dakota law allowed for the one of the first Dynasty Trust in the nation by abolishing the rule against perpetuities. Dynasty Trusts avoid federal taxation on trust assets forever because there is never a forced distribution of assets.

No State Income Tax

South Dakota does not have an income tax and, therefore, does not tax retained income in trusts. Therefore, there is a simple and compelling tax planning opportunity by properly situsing a trust in South Dakota.

Privacy Laws

Most states do not have provisions or laws protecting trust information from being revealed to beneficiaries or to the public during litigation. South Dakota clearly has the most robust privacy provisions in the nation rendering that state the trust jurisdiction of choice for wealthy families from all over the world.

Very Low Premium Tax on Life Insurance Policies

Typical premium tax charges run between 150 and 250 basis points annually.  South Dakota’s insurance premium tax is among the lowest in the nation at 8 basis points.

Flexible Decanting and Reformation Statutes

SD TRUST Initiatives

We encourage members to consider sharing a measure of their success with all South Dakotans through contributions to the Trust for the Future Fund and by engaging in volunteer opportunities. 

MARKETING & BRANDING

LOBBYING/TRUST LAW PROTECTION

EDUCATION

PHILANTHROPY

Connect with SDTA Members