Should You Have a "Ladybird Deed" ?

With all the competition for customers (from lawyers and non-lawyers alike) in the estate planning field, it is easy to see why the consuming public has the perception that an estate plan merely consists of a pre-printed form, or a set of forms, and that there is a “standard” method of planning.  And it seems like there is always some hot, new technique for estate planning being advocated, often by marketers.  It is nearly impossible these days to find an article, or attend a presentation on Estate Planning these days without hearing about the virtues of  the “Ladybird Deed,” and why everybody should have one.  It is common to have a client call or come in for an appointment, already convinced that they “need” a ladybird deed.

  it seems like there is always some hot, new technique for estate planning being advocated, often by marketers.

The reality is that these are actually somewhat complicated real property conveyancing tools.  And like all tools, I have often said over the course of my career that estate planning is not a “one-size-fits-all,” proposition.  And there is perhaps no better example of this than the “Ladybird Deed.”  The truth is that some people may benefit from the technique and many may find it a detriment.  In order to appreciate this, we need to discuss what a “Ladybird Deed” is and what it does.

Ladybird: What’s In a Name?

"Ladybird" is a name that caught on from use by a Florida attorney and lecturer whose favorite fictional spouse reference was “Ladybird,” in his examples.  The technically correct name is “Enhanced Life Estate Deed."

The reality is that these are actually somewhat complicated real property conveyancing tools.  And they are not a “one-size-fits-all,” proposition

Attorneys learn early in law school that property rights in the most of the U.S. can be divided up into different interests, and that the interests can be defined in different ways.  The sum total of all the rights held together, is known as the fee title.  It is not uncommon to see specific rights be divided (such as mineral, water and wind rights) and conveyed or reserved when the underlying land is conveyed.  It is also possible to convey rights that can be measured by the duration of ownership.  One such division and conveyance is the traditional “life estate.”  Like it sounds, a life estate is measure by the lifetime of the owner of the life estate.  Usually.

There is a very real temptation (often by persons unqualified to give estate planning advice) to indiscriminately use Ladybird Deeds

An Enhanced Life Estate reserves or conveys the traditional duration (life of the owner), but also adds an element (usually reserved by the transferor) to in effect, “change their mind,” and convey the fee title of the property away to someone else (or back to themselves).

Ladybird deeds can be very powerful, versatile, estate planning tools.  But like any tool, they can be misapplied.  Estate Planning is a process involving the careful application and combination of available tools.  There is a very real temptation (often by persons unqualified to give estate planning advice) to indiscriminately use Ladybird Deeds.  But the deed is just a tool, not a process!

Why Shouldn’t You Use a Ladybird Deed?

The danger in casual use of these deeds lies in viewing real estate conveyances as on-dimensional.  There are numerous related risks.

“Uncapping."

Michigan’s ad valorem real property tax scheme is based on complex valuation rules.  In the late 1990’s Michigan’s Constitution was amended to impose a “cap” on how much real property tax assessments could be increased.  This capped value is known as “Taxable Value,” and is subject to a cost of living – based formula, limiting increases.  Like so many laws, over time a series of exceptions and exemptions have emerged. Taxable Value, for example, may be “uncapped” when the property is conveyed (remember that there is a conveyance – or perhaps multiple conveyances – involved when a “Ladybird Deed” is created).  While there are certain exemptions to this “uncapping” rule when Estate Planning and Family transfers of residential real estate are involved, current Michigan law does not appear to apply such exemptions to the end conveyance accomplished by the Ladybird Deed.  So beware!

In order to track the changes of ownership (and therefore “uncapping” opportunities), Michigan has an affidavit filing process (MI Department of Treasury Form L4620 – Property Transfer Affidavit) with local assessors.  There is a relatively nominal fine for failure to file the affidavit and perhaps a temptation to ignore filing it.  One significant concern is that if the time period between the recording of the conveyance and the automatic conveyance by termination of the life estate is substantial, will this cause issues.  The affidavit should be filed, and one of the exemptions invoked, in my view.

Indiscriminate use of a Ladybird Deed may have unintended and undesirable results

Probate Avoidance.

Our modern society has evolved with the ability to structure “pay on death” direct beneficiary designations with nearly every type of asset people own today.  Michigan is one state where such transfer techniques are plentiful and easy to accomplish.  The Ladybird Deed, is such a technique.  It is relatively easy to create, and may well result in a probate--avoided transfer.  Again, indiscriminate application however, may create undesirable results.  This is particularly true where the intended recipients are multiple children.  “Joint” ownership of real property may create a whole set of unintended problems of its own.

Medicaid Planning.    

The so-called Elderlaw planning industry really thrust the use of the Ladybird Deeds into the forefront.  They have been a very powerful tool for Elderlaw planning.  But a lack of understanding of the tool and the process may well create unintended consequences.  The filing of a Medicaid Application is very timing specific.  Whether to convey property by Ladybird Deed, directly to a trust, by JTWROS designation, or not to convey at all, should be carefully considered by the planner, in light of all of the client’s circumstances.

What State are You In?

Not all States recognize Ladybird Deeds.  Since the real estate laws and rules vary by State to State it is wise to consult a knowledgeable specialist in the State where the property is.  Some States recognize a "pay on death," or "transfer on death" conveyance.

Ladybird Deeds are a powerful and often desirable planning tool.  My objection to them is when they are used in an unconsidered, “knee-jerk” one-size-fits all approach to the planning process as a whole.

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Welcome Clarification on Family Transfers of Residential Real Property and “Uncapping”

The new law now provides that transfers of property into and out of a trust, and via an estate, to these family members, are exempt, in addition to direct transfers.

Beginning December 31, there is yet another beneficial new exception to “uncapping” of transfers of residential real property between certain family members.

In the early 1990’s the Michigan Legislature passed legislation that “capped” the ability of local taxing bodies to increase the “taxable value” of real property to a the lesser of (currently 1.05%) and the rate of inflation for the year.  The statute attempted to define “transfer,” and also set out a series of exceptions to “transfers.”  Over the ensuing years, other exceptions (notably the Agriculture Exception) were added.  But also during this period, some disagreements arose over the meaning and intent of this legislation.  The was a particularly important issue for family cottages and recreational properties that were passed down from generation to generation.

In 2011, the Michigan Supreme Court interpreted one of these disagreements, in Klooster v. City of Charlevoix, holding among other things, that if at the time all owners at one generation died, but there was also a surviving joint tenant in the next generation (most commonly one or more children), that the survivorship conveyance of title by operation of law was not a “transfer” as the Legislature intended that term.  While I have never been persuaded by the Klooster analysis, who am I to rock the boat – particularly when the decision is basically favorable to the taxpayer?  See my blog, “Michigan Supreme Court Buys Us Another Generation on Real Property Taxes,” from March, 2011.  The Klooster case gave us some new, limited planning opportunities to preserve the “cap” on family transfer of property.  But it wasn’t enough.

It wasn’t enough

In December of 2012, Governor Snyder signed new Legislation aimed at this problem.  See, New Michigan Law Avoids “Uncapping” in Family Transfers.”  But as we will see, the aim was not as accurate as it might have been.  The new legislation (effective December 31, 2013, and on), provided that a direct transfer or conveyance of residential real property to a person related to the transferor “by blood or affinity to the first degree,” where the residential use continued, was not deemed a transfer for “uncapping” purposes.  This rather archaic definition seemed reasonably clear to those of us who took the basic Wills and Estates course in law school, but it left way to much uncertainty on the table.

It remained unclear whether these transfers among family members only applied to direct transfers (which would exclude transfers using Trusts, Wills, Estates and Limited Liability Companies).  If they did, it was – though a welcome forward step – still not enough.

It was still not enough

My own view was that given the history of interpretation of similar issues by local governments and by the Michigan Department of Treasury, combined with the near-bankrupt condition of our state government, they were going to take a very literal interpretation of the statutory language.  In Michigan State Tax Commission Bulletin number 23 dated December 16, 2013, my supposition was confirmed.  They would view this as only applying to direct transfers:  “Due to the blood relationship clause, the Commission has defined the transferee and transferor as a ‘person.’  Therefore, this exception to uncapping does not apply to a trust, a limited liability company, or a distribution from probate.”  Transfers to and from estate planning devices like trusts would not come within the exception.  Nor would transfers from an estate, whether by Will or intestate succession.  Again, while there were some additional planning opportunities (the “Ladybird” Deed, for example would work), they were still too limited.  One of the benefits of estate planning – and particularly the trust as a planning tool – is the ability to maintain some management and control where the beneficiaries are either not sufficiently mature to manage, or where there are multiple beneficiaries.  The trust allows ownership and management of assets for the benefit of children, including family legacy real estate (like the family cottage).

Now there is good news

The title of the blog promised good news.  And there is.  On October 10, the Legislature passed still more legislation, clarifying the “uncapping” rules.  Effective December 31, the law now defines those family members within the no uncapping exception more specifically as transfers to “a mother, father, brother, sister, child, adopted child, or grandchild.  And even better, the new law now provides that transfers of property into and out of a trust, and via an estate, to these family members, are exempt, in addition to direct transfers.

We now can breathe easier as estate planners and clients, knowing that we can continue to plan for estates using tried and true techniques.  Like any new law, there will be a period study and analysis and inevitably, questions about clarity of certain provisions and interpretation.

All in all:  I think this is a great development.

Thanks to my Law Partner and fellow Estate Planner, Elian Fichtner for her research and help on this article and topic.  See more about both of us on our website link at the top of the Blog 

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Should You have a “Ladybird” Deed?

Twenty-five years ago, I was covering for an astute, senior partner at my first law firm employment. I got a call from the title company questioning a deed he had drafted. His proposed form of conveyance purported to convey all but a "life estate," to her son, while retaining the right of the grantor to essentially change her mind and convey the property to someone else at any time during her lifetime. This seemed to go against everything I had learned in law school about vested life estates, fee interests, remainder interests and all sorts of "future" interests in real property. Knowing the drafter was an experienced real estate lawyer, I gave him the benefit of the doubt and did a little research.

Maybe; Maybe not

Michigan Land Title Standards (Std. 9.3), allows for precisely that type of conveyance. I have used it occasionally during my 30 year career, but up until recently, sparingly. While the deed has been around for many years in Michigan, it has only recently gained popular recognition, particularly as a Medicaid planning tool. However, it really is a more diverse and useful tool, and is becoming increasing popular with estate planners. So much so, that currently, one of several most often asked questions when clients call or come in for estate planning conferences is: "should I have one of those lady bird deeds?" My answer: "Maybe. Maybe not." J

The "ladybird" deed is not a one-size-fits-all" panacea for all of our real property estate planning challenges

The Estate Planning process often lends itself to automation, and generalities. In many cases this is unfortunate, as we really should be looking at each individual circumstance as unique and carefully tailoring our planning solutions to that unique situation. So while I am using "ladybird" deeds more often these days, it is actually making me think more carefully about this particular aspect of planning.

Urban legend is that the "ladybird" deed gained its name because Lyndon Johnson conveyed property to his wife using one. This writer finds it hard to believe that Lyndon was the first to use the technique. The technique involves a property concept known as a "power of appointment," and the concept was surely around before Lyndon was even a gleam in the elder Mr. Johnson's eye. But I am content to let legend be legend. One prominent Michigan Probate Judge has opined that it should really be more properly titled a "Deed subject to Life Estate," which is how it is characterized in the Title Standard. The "ladybird" deed is as close as we can get to a "beneficiary designation," on real property here (a number of states actually have statutorily recognized transfer on death deeds, but Michigan is not one of them). It can be used to effect a transfer-on-death conveyance of real property, either to other individuals, or to a trust. I can see some real utility there.

The Estate Planning process often lends itself to automation and generalities

But, whatever we ultimately call it, the "ladybird" deed is not a one-size-fits-all" panacea for all of our real property estate planning challenges. We still need to examine the goals of the client carefully. And not every consequence of the use of this deed is clear.

I recently wrote about the changes to Michigan's real property tax statute, regarding the "uncapping" of taxable value on the transfer of property. One of the advantages of the "ladybird" deed is that it is really not a transfer. The "transfer" occurs on the death of the grantor. And under the new law, a transfer of residential real property to a party related in the first degree, will not be "uncapped" as long as the transferee continues its residential use. But there are traps here, for the unwary. What if I want multiple children to benefit from the family cottage? Remember, the new law addresses a transfer to a person related in the first degree. It does not say to a trust, or other entity established by the transferor for the benefit of her children.  Indeed, the State Tax Commission has recently confirmed my suspicion that they view this exemption as not applicable to Trusts, LLC's, or to a distribution from Probate! (Bulletin 23, December 16, 2013).

Conveyance of property in Michigan requires that the parties file a "Property Transfer Affidavit" with the County Register of Deeds and the Tax Assessor when a "transfer" occurs. Is a "ladybird" deed a "transfer" requiring the filing of this form (L-4260)? Arguably not. But prudence suggests that filing—with an explanation—might be a good practice. More importantly, is there a Form L-4260 filing requirement upon the death of the grantor? I think there is room in the statutory language to conclude that the answer is yes. So, in our planning, we need to think about who will be responsible to ensure such a filing on a timely basis. Form L-4260 has a box to check for "transfer of that portion of a property subject to a life estate." But a conventional "life estate" is different in that both it, and the remainder interest are vested in their respective owners. There is in fact a transfer or conveyance of an interest in property. It is just an "exempt" transfer under the statute (until the Life Estate expires). Technically, there is not such a conveyance with the "ladybird" deed. Until there is judicial or administrative clarification, the proper approach to this will remain uncertain. My thinking is to be "redundant." Perhaps the best (albeit confusing and to me somewhat inconsistent) approach is to check both the "life estate" checkbox and the "other" checkbox, and insert language indicating that the deed was executed pursuant to Title Standard 9.3.

As use of the "ladybird" deed increases, there are bound to be questions by third parties about whether mortgage provisions (e.g., "due on sale clause") are triggered, as well as other restrictive deed items (P.A. 116 liens, conservation easements, etc.) will be affected. Use of this deed, like any other legal tool, requires thought about its application to the circumstances—both current and future. And the answer to the question is, as always: "Don't try this at home."

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New Michigan Law Avoids “Uncapping” in Family Transfers

Two years ago in March, I reported here on the Klooster v City of Charlevoix case, which addressed the issue of "uncapping" in a real estate transaction between family members. 1994 amendments to the Michigan Real Property Tax, placed a "cap" on the amount a taxing authority could increase the value of real property under consistent ownership. Under the 1994 rules, a taxing authority may raise the taxable value of real property no more than the lesser of 5% and a CPI calculation.

The principal change is new sub-paragraph (s) which provides a new exception for residential real property transferred to a relative who is related by blood or affinity to the first degree (i.e., children)

However, when there is a "transfer" of ownership in real property, the taxing authority may "uncap" the valuation for the "tax day" immediately following the transfer, raising the taxable value as high as the state determined State Equalized Value (SEV) of the property. This can be a considerable increase in taxes for the new owner.

The Klooster Court interpreted the transfer provisions of the statute, holding that where a father added his son as a "Joint Tenant with rights of Survivorship" while the father was alive and while the father remained a joint owner, there was no transfer. That seems to track with the plain language of the exceptions to "transfer" in the statute. In what was a surprise to many of us (most certainly to the City of Charlevoix and municipal entities around the state), the further held the death of the original joint owner (the father) was not a transfer. This lead to a new (for some of us at least) avenue of planning and caused us to re-think our planning strategies see, Some Family Cottage Strategies in Light of the Klooster Case; my follow up to the Klooster article.

Perhaps in response to Klooster and the uncertainty that surrounded its reasoning, and certainly to protect family interests in family-owned residential real estate, the Michigan Legislature passed, and Governor Snyder signed into law in December of 2012, a newer, clearer exception to the "transfer" for family-owned real property. House Enrolled Bill No. 4753, signed into law on December 27, 2012, amends Section 27a(7) of the Michigan General Property Tax Act (MCL 211.27a) to provide several new exceptions. Most are clarifications of existing exceptions.

The principal change is new sub-paragraph (s) which provides a new exception for residential real property transferred to a relative who is related by blood or affinity to the first degree (i.e., children). Notably, the exception does not limit itself to "cottage" or "vacation" property. Nor are the number of instances or parcels limited. Indeed, the Senate Fiscal Agency's "Bill Analysis" acknowledges that the exception is not limited to "homesteads," nor is there any limit to the number of times a single parcel could be transferred to first-degree relatives.

Caution!

It is important to note that this new transfer exception does not become effective until December 31, 2013! Thus, for owners dying before December 31, it may still be wise to consider the strategies discussed at the link above, at least temporarily. Still, this is a welcome change for owners of family real property, particularly in those instances of homesteads and family cottages that may have remained in the family for multiple generations. Like all legal changes, this development will require planners to consider whether old strategies remain viable and what, if any, new strategies may come into play.

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The Michigan Property Tax Personal Residence Exemption

The Michigan General Property Tax Act authorizes municipal entities, including cities, townships, villages, schools, and municipal "authorities" to levy taxes real and personal property in Michigan. There are two principal exemptions from part of the taxes that routinely impact our clients. The most commonly invoked exemption is the "personal residence exemption" (a/k/a "homestead exemption). The second important exemption is the "qualified agricultural property" exemption (see, Navigating The Michigan General Property Tax Qualified Agricultural Property Exemption). Both exempt the subject property from the school tax. The mechanics of their application differs somewhat.

There is a lot of misinformation out there, much of it by word of mouth. This is an important exemption, as the school tax tends to be one of the highest taxes levied. So, understanding its applicability is worth a few moments' reading.

The personal residence exemption applies to property which is classified by the tax assessor as "residential property." Classification as "residential," does not by itself qualify the property for the exemption. The owner must demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the taxing authority (or – ultimately – the Michigan Department of Treasury), that the property for which they are seeking the exemption is their one, true personal residence.

Obtaining the Exemption

In order to qualify for the principal residence exemption, a homeowner must file an Affidavit of Personal Residence, (Form 2368), which may be obtained on line at the Michigan Government Website (www.michigan.gov/treasury). The affidavit must be filed – in most cases – not later than May 1 of the year the exemption is sought. The Affidavit is filed with the Local Assessor, not with the Treasury Department.

There are instances when a "late" filing can be sought by appearing before the tax board of review (which convenes in most municipalities in July and again in December). It probably makes sense to seek some professional assistance at that point, as there are rules and deadlines that must be carefully observed.

The greatest area of concern is when a residence is purchased after the May 1 deadline. In most instances, the prior homeowner has already filed the affidavit and qualified and the exemption will remain in effect until December 31, after which you may file to meet the May 1 deadline for the following year. The Affidavit need only be filed once and the exemption remains in effect as long as the residence continues to qualify for that owner.

Qualifying For the Exemption

This is the area where the most confusion (and frankly, a fair amount of "license" with the rules) usually arises. This exemption is intended to apply to one personal residence where a resident of Michigan intends to permanently use as their primary home. There are certain indicia that the Department of Treasury (or the local assessor) uses as "proof" of residency. The statutory provision makes clear that it is a matter of intent on the part of the owner. But proof of such intent is sometimes difficult. The authorities will look at things like voter registration address, address on Michigan Driver's License or other Michigan I.D., where the applicant has his or her mail sent, where bills are mailed and the address they use on official tax filing. None of these items alone will be determinative, but they will be used as evidence of intent.

The Michigan Department of Treasury publishes a pdf pamphlet called "Guidelines for Michigan Principal Residence Exemption Program." It is worth noting that in the guidelines, they specifically address the vacation home or cottage issue. Up until just recently, most lakefront vacation property in Michigan was appreciating much more rapidly than suburban or urban residential property. The tax pressure on owners of these properties was enough that many such owners have attempted to make them their personal residence in order to have the exemption apply to their higher value property. Some even attempted to claim both residences as their principal residence. About 10 years back, there was a strong push by taxing authorities to seek out these "transgressors."

The Guidelines make it clear that the state will view this as a matter of reality. In other words, you cannot simply change your driver's license, voter registration and other "indicators," and automatically have the property qualify. You have to demonstrate in a meaningful way that you indeed intend to reside in the property as your principal residence. While there are obviously grey areas (e.g., the "snowbirds," who may spend 6 or more months in a warmer climate), this means that you "live" there – you spend the bulk of your time there.

Multiple Exemptions

It is clear that a homeowner is only entitled to one principal residence exemption. You must be a resident of the State of Michigan and you may not have claimed a similar personal residence exemption in another state, country or territory. You cannot have dual residency, for purposes of the exemption.

What if you are husband and wife? State and Federal laws are nothing if not unclear about this distinction. The general approach is that we treat married couples as a single unit. However there are exceptions. For purposes of the principal residence exemption, if a husband and wife file a joint income tax return, they are entitle to one exemption for their "marital unit." However, if they file separately, they may each claim an exemption. Beware, however, that they will still have to demonstrate the "intent" reality discussed above. In most cases, unless the parties are separated, that will be pretty difficult to do.

Much will depend upon the diligence of the local taxing authorities on all of the above issues.

The Ownership Requirement

This requirement may be among the most elusive – and confusing. Like much legislation, the language is not necessarily consistent, nor clear. For example, the General Property Tax Act refers to the term "person." Yet they don't necessarily consistently apply their interpretation. For purposes of the principal residence exemption, "person" is interpreted as its plain meaning, a "human." A residence that has been transferred into a Limited Liability Company, a Partnership, or some other legal entity will cease to be qualified for the principal residence exemption. While this may seem harsh, it is the law in Michigan. Where we see this application cause the most problems is in the family farm arena, where we are often structuring land-holding entities and family limited liability companies and partnerships. Because there are other complex rules and programs affecting farmland, and because the farmstead and family home are often part of a larger tract of land, family estate and succession planning can become problematic and complex, and attention to detail is important in that context.

You do not, however, need to be a 100% owner of the property. The law says a partial owner may claim the exemption (again, subject to demonstrating that it is their one true personal residence). This means joint owners, and holders of life estates may still claim the exemption.

The law does not specify the amount of ownership. This opens the door to some creative tax and estate planning. For example, a child, parent or sibling could legally own a fractional interest (as little as a 1% joint tenancy interest), but reside in the home and claim the exemption. This, combined with the "uncapping" protections we learned about in the Klooster case (see, "Some Family Cottage Strategies In Light of The Klooster Case") may present some very enticing family property succession strategies.


A residence that has been transferred to a grantor-revocable trust also qualifies for the exemption.  In that case, the grantor (in most cases) is deemed the "person" who is the owner and entitled to the exemption.

Finally, note that you may claim the exemption if you are a Land Contract purchaser. This makes sense because Michigan Law sees such a purchaser as the "equitable" owner of the property, subject to the security interest of the Land Contract Vendor (the so-called "legal owner").

What Property is Covered?

This is another area which is sometimes susceptible to confusion. Adjacent land parcels are often arbitrarily separated by legal description (e.g., by the way they are acquired by deed) or by tax parcel identification code. They may be separated by roads, ditches, waterways, or other natural or man-made obstructions.

The exemption covers all contiguous property to the occupied residence, as long as it is: (1) classified residential, (2) is vacant, and (3) is not used for non-residential purposes. The Guidelines provide several examples of what qualifies as contiguous. Essentially, it is property which is "touching" the property the primary residence is on. A road, ditch, stream, etc., does not destroy contiguity. Another parcel owned by another that is in between does (there is some thought that the state views a corner-to –corner touching as not contiguous, though I fail to see the logic in that view) .

Separately described or deeded parcels or parcels with separate tax code parcel identification numbers, will all still qualify, as long as they satisfy the contiguity requirement. You need not combine parcels in order to have the exemption. You do, however, need to file separate exemption Affidavits for each separate tax code parcel.

The state is dead-serious about the 3 limitations above. If a contiguous parcel has a separate structure on it, it is not "vacant" and does not qualify for the exemption. If any business use is occurring on the contiguous parcel, at least a portion of it will not qualify. The most common example of this latter occurrence is vacant farmland, which is being farmed for rent. In most cases, it will or can be classified as qualified farmland, which will solve the problem. In other cases, it will be important to seek qualified professional assistance.


 

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