Introduction
Congratulations on creating your trust! By completing this crucial step, you are on track to having the proceeds from the sale of your appreciated assets grow tax-free. Now that your trust is established, the next key action is to transfer any relevant assets—currently held in your personal name—into the trust. This transfer ensures that, when you decide to sell, your transaction can take advantage of the trust’s tax-exempt structure.
Depending on the type of asset and where it is held, the transfer process will vary and may involve different forms or additional approval steps. In this guide, we cover the primary scenarios:
- Public equity held in a Schwab personal account.
- Private equity held in Schwab (with or without company approval).
- Shares held in Carta.
- Cryptocurrency held in various exchanges or wallets.
By following the instructions below, you can make sure your assets move smoothly and securely into your trust. And if you ever have any doubts or your situation isn’t covered here, feel free to reach out to us at operations@valur.com for personalized assistance.
1. Transferring Public Equity (Schwab to Schwab Trust Account)
If you have public equity in a Schwab Personal Account and would like to move it into your Schwab Trust Account, you’ll need to fill out Schwab’s Check and Internal Transfer (Journal) Request Form. Here’s what to do:
- Complete the IA (Investment Advisor) Firm information at the top of the form:
- IA Firm Name: VALUR ROBO ADVISORS LLC
- IA Master Account Number: 0812-7474
- IA Contact Name: Subramonian Mahadevan
- IA Telephone Number: (248) 877-4787
- IA Email Address: roni@valur.com
- Section 4, Subsection B (Transfer Details):
- Receiving account number: Your trust account’s number
- Receiving Account Registration: Your trust account’s name
- Cash Amount, Share Quantity, or ALL: Fill out as appropriate
- Security Name: Fill out based on the specific asset
- Symbol/CUSIP: Fill out based on the specific asset
- Indicate (With an “X”) If This Is a Gift: Mark as a gift
- Section 6 (Signatures):
- Sign, print your name, and date the document
Once completed, submit the form to Schwab. If you need help, you can always let us know.
2.1 Transferring Private Equity (No Company Approval Required)
If you are transferring private equity that does not require approval from the issuing company (i.e., the company’s bylaws or shareholder agreements do not mandate approval for transfer), you will typically complete a Stock Transfer Agreement.
If at any point you need additional support or have questions, please contact us.
Schwab often provides assistance with this documentation.
2.2 Transferring Private Equity (Company Approval Required)
For private equity that does require approval from the issuing company before shares can be transferred, the process is similar but includes an additional approval step. Here, you may need to complete a Stock Transfer Agreement (With Company) or other company-specific paperwork.
If you need guidance, feel free to reach out to us.
Schwab can also help facilitate this process and provide the necessary forms.
3. Transferring Shares Held in Carta
If your shares are held in Carta, the process of transferring them to the trust is usually straightforward:
- Add the trust as a stakeholder:
- Transfer the shares to the trust:
If you have any questions about Rule 144 (an exemption to the Securities Act of 1933 that allows the sale of restricted and control securities in the public marketplace if certain conditions are met) or other restrictions, let us know.
4. Transferring Cryptocurrency
If you hold cryptocurrency, transferring it to your trust is generally done via a crypto exchange or wallet. The steps will vary by platform:
Coinbase: Follow Coinbase’s instructions for transferring crypto to another wallet (in this case, your trust’s wallet or an institutional account if one is set up for the trust).
MetaMask: Use MetaMask’s “Send” function to transfer the cryptocurrency from your personal wallet to the trust’s designated wallet address.
For other exchanges or wallets, the process is similar: initiate a transfer from your personal account/wallet to the trust’s account/wallet. If you run into any issues or have questions, reach out to us and we will assist you.
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Conclusion
Moving your assets into the trust is a critical step to ensure that, when you eventually sell, you can benefit from the trust’s tax-advantaged structure. While the forms and processes vary depending on whether you hold public or private equity, shares in Carta, or cryptocurrency, the general principle remains the same: properly retitle the asset in the name of your trust.
By following the guidelines above and consulting with us when needed, you can complete this process smoothly and securely. Should you need any clarifications—or if your situation isn’t fully covered here—don’t hesitate to reach out to us at operations@valur.com. We’re here to help you make the most of your trust and confidently navigate each step of asset transfer.