Do I need to pay to obtain a copy of the deed to my home in New York City?

Posted on February 1, 2018 by George H. Dippel, Attorney at Law

A client of mine recently received a letter from a company offering to obtain for her, for a fee, a copy of the newly recorded deed to her house.  My client had previously asked me to add her son as a joint owner of her home which involved my preparing and recording the deed in question with the City Register of Queens County.

Mailings from companies offering to obtain copies of documents for a fee are not uncommon.  Companies, such as the one soliciting my client, routinely check local property recording offices and offer their document retrieval services to homeowners who have had recently recorded deeds. Apparently the recording of my client’s deed resulted in her receiving  this offer.

My client called me upon receiving the letter and asked me whether she needed to pay this company to obtain a copy of her recorded deed. I explained to my client that once a deed is recorded, that is, incorporated into the public land records, it can be viewed by the public, without charge.  A copy of the recorded deed can be viewed on-line using New York City’s Automated City Registers Information System, commonly referred to as ACRIS. http://a836-acris.nyc.gov/CP/ The deed can be downloaded as a PDF file and then printed.

As I discussed in an earlier post, http://www.dippellaw.com/wordpress/i-lost-the-orginal-deed-to-my-home-will-i-have-a-problem-selling-my-home/once a deed is recorded, you do not need the original deed or even a copy of the deed in order to sell or mortgage your home. If you do want a copy of your deed, there is no reason to pay someone to obtain it.

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How do I add someone to the deed of my New York home?

Posted on May 3, 2017 by George H. Dippel, Attorney at Law

There are many reasons you may want to add someone to the title of your home.  You may have just gotten married or re-married and now wish to add your new spouse as a joint owner.  Or you may want to add an adult child to your title for estate planning purposes.

Whatever the reason,  you will need to retain an attorney, experienced in real estate, to draft  a new deed conveying  (i.e., transferring) your home  to yourself and the person you wish to add to your title. In addition to the deed, your attorney will also need to prepare transfer tax returns. While there is no transfer tax due  on conveyances which are considered gifts, (i.e. no money given for the conveyance) the returns must still be prepared and filed with the county clerk, or in the case of New York City property, the City Register, when the deed is recorded.

How your new deed is drafted will determine your type of joint ownership. Depending on the language used in your deed, you and the person you have added to your title can own the home as either joint tenants with rights of survivorship, tenants in common or tenants by the entirety. Your attorney can advise you as to which type of joint ownership is appropriate in your case.

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Can I apply for a larger mortgage than in my contract to buy my NY home?

Posted on October 10, 2016 by George H. Dippel, Attorney at Law

Most people will obtain financing when purchasing their home, whether it’s a co-op, condominium or a one or two-family home.  In such a case the contract of sale will contain a provision making the sale contingent on the purchaser obtaining a loan in a certain amount.  If the purchaser is turned down by the lending institution they can cancel the contract and receive the return of their down payment.

In order to obtain the protection afforded by this clause the buyer must strictly adhere to it’s provisions, i.e., they must only apply for a loan in the amount stated in the clause (or a lesser amount); they must make a “good faith” application to a lending institution and they must abide by the time frame given to obtain such a loan.

In answer to the question I pose, if a buyer applies for a loan greater than the amount set forth in the clause and is then denied a loan, they will have forfeited the protection afforded by the clause and will not be able to cancel the contract.  If they have no alternative source of funds to consummate the purchase they will be in default under the terms of the contract and more than likely lose their down payment.

Of course, if the buyer is approved for a loan greater than set forth in the contract, no harm, no foul.  I, however, would never advise a client to take such a risk as there may be reasons beyond their control that may result in a loan denial.  For instance, when determining whether to approve a loan to purchase a cooperative apartment or condominium unit, the lender will review the condo and co-op project as well as the buyer’s creditworthiness. While the buyer may have sufficient income and sterling credit, they may still be denied a loan based on the condominium’s or cooperative apartment corporation’s financial situation.

The loan contingency in a contract to purchase your home affords protection against your being denied a loan.  Make sure you retain an experienced real estate attorney who will make sure you comply with its provisions so as not to jeopardize your substantial down payment.

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Do I need to close on the closing date in my contract to purchase a home in New York City?

Posted on August 24, 2016 by George H. Dippel, Attorney at Law

I am often asked this question by my clients who are either buying or selling a home, cooperative apartment or condominium unit.  The standard residential contract of sale used by attorneys in the New York Metropolitan area will state that the closing will take place, for example, “on or about October 1, 2016.”  The phrase “on or about” has been interpreted by the New York courts to mean that either side has a reasonable period beyond the “on or about” date in which to close.  While the courts are silent as to what constitutes a “reasonable” time, almost all real estate attorneys practicing in the New York Metropolitan area have come to a consensus that reasonable is 30 days.

If a party is unwilling to close within that 30 day period the attorney for the party wishing to close can send what is referred to as a “time is of the essence” letter to the other party.  That letter will set forth a new closing date, usually 10 days after the expiration of the 30 day period, stating that “Time is of the Essence.” If the party receiving the letter does not close by that date they can be declared in default under the terms of the contract of sale.

When signing a contract as a seller or buyer, be sure you communicate to your attorney your desired time frame so as to not run up against deadlines in the contract which could cause you to default.

 

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Should I make a Subchapter S election for my New York Corporation?

Posted on February 19, 2016 by George H. Dippel, Attorney at Law

If you have formed a New York corporation through which you intend to conduct your new business, you should consider making a Subchapter S election.  If you timely make such an election under Subchapter S of the Internal Revenue Code you will avoid the double taxation which would otherwise occur with an ordinary or C corporation.  In the case of a C corporation, you pay tax at the corporate level and then again at the individual level when you receive distributions or dividends from the corporation. A Subchapter S corporation pays no tax at the corporate level; instead tax is only paid by the individual shareholder upon receipt of corporate dividends.

In order to qualify as a subchapter S corporation, the corporation must have fewer than 100 shareholders, all shareholders must be natural persons and US citizens or legal residents and there can be only one class of stock. The Subchapter S election is made by filing form 2553 with the IRS and form CT-6 with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.

Failure to properly elect Subchapter S treatment can expose your corporation and yourself to double taxation at the Federal and State level so consult with a knowledgeable professional when starting your New York business.

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Should I agree to be the executor of my friend’s New York will?

Posted on July 10, 2015 by George H. Dippel, Attorney at Law

At some point you may be asked if you would be willing to be named an executor in a friend or family member’s last will and testament.  The first thought that may pop into your mind is “If I say yes, what am I getting myself into?”  While you may be flattered by being offered this honor, keep in mind that you are being asked to undertake a serious responsibility so if you have any misgivings it may be wise to politely refuse.  In fact, even after the death of the person in whose will you were named executor (this person is called the Testator), you can always renounce your appointment.

If you do accept, you will be responsible for petitioning the Surrogate’s Court to admit the will to probate after the Testator’s death.  Most executors will retain an experienced attorney to prepare the petition and related documents which will be filed with the Court.  Assuming there are no objections to probate, the Surrogate Judge will sign a decree admitting the will to probate and appointing you the executor.  The Court will also issue to you  a document called Letters Testamentary as evidence of your appointment.

Once you have been appointed, you must open an estate account and transfer assets (cash, securities, etc.) into that account.  You are also responsible for paying all valid debts of the estate out of the estate account.  If the estate is liable for estate taxes, estate tax returns must be filed and the taxes paid.

Once all debts, including taxes, have been paid, the executor typically provides each beneficiary with an accounting; showing assets collected, sums paid out, the balance of estate funds on hand and the proposed distribution to the beneficiaries.  The beneficiaries will be asked to sign receipt and releases before they are paid their bequests.

The above summary is only a broad outline of an executor’s basic responsibilities.  There may be other duties an executor may be called on to perform depending on the nature of the estate’s assets and whether or not all parties involved with the estate are in agreement on all matters.

Since failure to properly carry out your duties as an executor could lead to your being liable for any losses to the estate, it is important to retain experienced professionals to assist you in this important job.

 

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Do I need to file income tax returns as the Executor of a New York Estate?

Posted on March 5, 2015 by George H. Dippel, Attorney at Law

Understandably I am often asked this question as April 15th approaches.  If a decedent’s estate has earned more than $600 in income during the tax year, the executor or administrator needs to file both Federal and New York State fiduciary income tax returns and pay any tax by April 15th.  The form for the Federal return is form 1041 and the New York State return is form IT-205. If an estate is open for more than one year, estimated New York State and Federal income tax  is due quarterly.

If the decedent died during the tax year, income from the commencement of the tax year until the date of death should be reported on the decedent’s final personal returns with the balance reported on the fiduciary returns.

These filing requirements are also applicable to irrevocable and testamentary trusts.  The filing threshold for trusts is $100 in income.  The same forms are used for trusts as are used for estates and estimated tax rules also apply.

Decedent’s estates and irrevocable trusts should have Federal ID numbers which should be used on the fiduciary returns.

There are no fiduciary filing requirements for revocable trusts, also known as “living trusts” as income is reported on the grantor/trustee’s personal income tax returns. Once the grantor/trustee dies, the living trust becomes irrevocable and a Federal ID number should be applied for.  Any income earned after the death of the grantor/trustee will then be subject to fiduciary income tax and reported on the fiduciary returns.

Failure to timely file and pay fiduciary income taxes can subject an estate or trust to interest and penalties.  An experienced attorney can help you comply with the various tax filing requirements.

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How does an Executor or Administrator settle a New York Estate?

Posted on September 12, 2014 by George H. Dippel, Attorney at Law

One of the first questions I hear from clients who have been appointed an executor or administrator is “How do I finalize or settle this estate?”  After the fiduciary, (i.e., an executor or administrator) of a New York estate has fulfilled their various responsibilities (see my blog post “What are the Duties of an Executor of a New York Will”) they should prepare to make final distributions of estate assets to the beneficiaries.  The fiduciary should not make such final distributions prior to seven months from the date of their appointment or they run the risk of being held personally liable for any unpaid debts of the estate that may arise after making said distributions.  Surrogates Court Procedure Act Section 1802 allows creditors this seven month period to present claims to the fiduciary.

After seven months have elapsed, the fiduciary should have their attorney prepare an  accounting which should set forth all assets received by the fiduciary, expenses paid and the proposed distribution of assets to the beneficiaries.  The accounting should be sent to the beneficiaries together with a document typically called a “Release, Receipt and Waiver” which they will be asked to sign if they agree with the accounting.  As its name implies, by signing this document the beneficiary acknowledges the amount of their distribution, releases the fiduciary from further liability and waives a formal judicial accounting. After receipt of all the releases, the fiduciary should send checks to the beneficiaries closing out the estate account(s). The signed releases are typically retained in the fiduciary’s  attorney’s file but they can be filed with the Surrogate’s Court.

If any beneficiary doesn’t approve the accounting and refuses to sign a receipt , release and waiver, the fiduciary will have to resort to a judicial accounting in which he/she petitions the Surrogates Court to approve their account. Such judicial accounting proceedings are quite complex and costly so if a beneficiary raises a minor objection to the accounting the fiduciary and beneficiary should attempt to resolve it without court involvement.

If the estate is liable for fiduciary income taxes for the tax year in which the final distributions are made, the final tax returns will include the distributions to the beneficiaries as a deduction. Due to this distribution deduction, no tax is payable by the estate but rather each beneficiary will receive a form K-1 setting forth their share of the estate’s income for the final year, which they will need to declare on their personal income tax returns and pay the appropriate tax.

As  you can see from the above, the assistance of experienced professionals is essential in properly settling an estate if the fiduciary wishes to be absolved from any future liability.

 

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How can I administer a New York estate during a will contest?

Posted on June 30, 2014 by George H. Dippel, Attorney at Law

In a proceeding to probate a will in New York State, all the heirs of the deceased testator must consent to the will being admitted to probate or be served with a citation.  The citation advises the heir that a last will and testament will be offered for probate on a certain date and if they or their attorney don’t appear at the court’s calendar call, it is deemed that they consent.  If heirs appear that have been disinherited or otherwise left less than their intestate share,  a will contest may ensue substantially delaying or even denying probate of the will.

During this time, a proposed executor may need to administer the estate, that is,  collect estate assets, pay bills, file tax returns and  manage estate assets that would otherwise be in jeopardy of decreasing in value.   In such a case a nominated executor can apply for “Preliminary Letters Testamentary.”  A petition for preliminary letters  and a preliminary executor’s bond must be filed with the court.  Upon the filing of the petition and bond, the nominated executor will be appointed a “preliminary executor” and issued preliminary letters testamentary.   A preliminary executor has the same powers that an executor would have to administer the estate but may not, however, make any distributions to beneficiaries under the will which is being contested and must instead take measures to preserve those assets.

If you are a nominated executor and anticipate a delay in probate due to a will contest or are already involved in a will contest,  you should discuss obtaining preliminary letters testamentary with your attorney.

 

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What are the duties of an Executor of a New York Will?

Posted on May 15, 2014 by George H. Dippel, Attorney at Law

One of the most important decisions you will make when preparing your last will and testament is your choice of an Executor. An Executor is the person(s) or entity such as a trust company, who is responsible for seeing that the provisions of your will are carried out.

Upon your death, your Executor will engage an attorney to probate your will, that is, prepare the probate petition and related documentation to file with the New York Surrogate’s Court of the county in which you had your principal residence. If there are no objections to probate, and your will meets the statutory requirements, the court will issue a document called “Letters Testamentary” which is evidence that the will has been admitted to probate and the person named in the will as Executor has been officially appointed.

Once appointed, the Executor has a duty to collect all your assets, and pay all valid debts. Estate assets must be deposited into an Estate account. An Executor must keep detailed records of all assets collected and debts paid as this will be needed to prepare a final accounting of the Executor’s actions. New York State law permits creditors of the estate up to seven (7) months after Letters Testamentary have been issued to file claims. Accordingly, a prudent Executor will keep sufficient estate assets on hand to pay any potential claims.

After seven months have elapsed, the Executor should prepare to make distribution of remaining estate assets to the beneficiaries pursuant to the directives in your will. Usually, prior to making distributions, an Executor will have prepared an informal accounting of all assets collected, debts paid and assets left to be distributed.

The above is only a broad outline of some of the most important duties of an Executor. Additionally, a New York Executor must file an inventory of assets with the court within six months of their appointment. Depending on the nature of the estate’s assets, appraisals of such assets may be necessary. Estate and fiduciary income tax returns may need to be filed. In such cases the advice of an attorney experienced in estate matters is indispensable.

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