Equity Trusts
Definition of "Equity trusts"
Same as term REIT: Type of investment company that invests money in mortgages and various types of investment in real estate, in order to earn profits for shareholders. Shareholders receive income from the rents received from the properties and receive capital gains as properties are sold at a profit. REITs have been formed by a number of large financial institutions such as banks and insurance companies. The stocks of many of them are traded on security exchanges, thereby providing investors with a marketable interest in real estate investment portfolio. By law, REITs have to distribute 95 percent of their income to shareholders, and in turn they are exempt from corporate taxes on income or gains. In exchange for this special tax treatment, REITs are subject to numerous qualifications and limitations including:
- Qualified asset and income tests. REITs are required to have at least 75% of their value represented by qualified real estate assets and to earn at least 75% of their income from real estate investments.
- Shareholder qualifications. Generally, REITs are not permitted to be closely held and must have a minimum of 100 shareholders.
Popular Real Estate Terms
One who acts as a witness and fives written testimony under oath. ...
Justifiable and fair amount for a real estate transaction based on the conditions and limitations involved in the exchange. ...
Grouping of several columns arranged in intervals supporting an architectural overhang, usually a roof. ...
A shallow yet funny definition of a tax specialist is someone who loved math since 1st grade. He or she has an elephant’s memory and is always up to date with the regulations and ...
Used to compute the tax on a specified taxable income. The marginal tax rate usually increases as the taxable income rises. ...
(1) The exposed trim and molding surrounding a door or window. (2) Woodwork which encases a pipe or structural member. (3) Method of creating a form for the pouring of concrete. ...
Square footage of space a parcel of land has. ...
Position taken by a real estate consultant representing the best interests of the client. ...
Degree of construction of residential property measured in number of units or dollar value. ...
Have a question or comment?
We're here to help.