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How Jones Lang LaSalle Employees Can Use Intentionally Defective Grantor Trusts (IDGTs) in Estate Planning

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider Information for Jones Lang LaSalle Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) offers a comprehensive range of healthcare real estate services. The company specializes in managing, optimizing, and developing healthcare facilities, leveraging its deep expertise to support healthcare providers in enhancing operational efficiency and improving patient care environments. Through its Healthcare Center of Excellence, JLL provides clients with tailored real estate solutions to navigate the complexities of the healthcare landscape effectively. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we head into 2026, healthcare costs are projected to see significant increases due to a perfect storm of factors. Record hikes in health insurance premiums for ACA marketplace plans, sometimes exceeding 60% in various states, combined with the likely expiration of enhanced federal subsidies, could result in over 75% more out-of-pocket premiums for the majority of enrollees. Coupled with persistent medical cost inflation driven by high hospital and drug prices, consumers may find healthcare increasingly unaffordable unless proactive steps are taken now. The evolving regulatory environment will further complicate the landscape, emphasizing the necessity for strategic decisions in coverage and care. Click here to learn more

“Jones Lang LaSalle employees reviewing IDGTs can benefit from understanding how these trusts may support long-term legacy planning, although qualified legal and tax professionals should review these strategies to determine whether they fit into their overall goals.” ~ Wesley Boudreaux, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

“Jones Lang LaSalle employees considering an IDGT should recognize how this strategy may support long-term wealth transfer goals, although these structures should be reviewed with qualified legal and tax professionals to determine whether they align with each household’s broader plan.” ~ Patrick Ray, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article, we will discuss:

How intentionally defective grantor trusts (IDGTs) work.
The advantages and potential limitations of using an IDGT.
Key considerations for Jones Lang LaSalle employees evaluating this type of planning strategy.

An irrevocable trust arrangement known as an intentionally defective grantor trust (IDGT) allows the grantor to move assets out of their taxable estate while still being treated as the owner of those assets for income tax purposes. Many people, including Jones Lang LaSalle employees with high-growth or income-producing holdings, may benefit from using this strategy to support long-term wealth preservation.

How an Intentionally Defective Grantor Trust Works

For tax purposes, different kinds of trusts receive different treatment, and understanding the distinctions can help Jones Lang LaSalle professionals review planning strategies more effectively.

Revocable Trusts

In a revocable trust, the grantor is taxed on trust income and is regarded as the owner for income tax purposes. A separate trust income tax return is usually unnecessary. These assets generally remain inside the grantor’s taxable estate because the grantor maintains full control.

Irrevocable Trusts

An irrevocable trust is treated as its own tax entity, filing its own return and taking its own deductions. When properly drafted so the grantor does not retain certain powers or interests, assets transferred to an irrevocable trust are generally removed from the taxable estate, a detail that can matter for Jones Lang LaSalle professionals with substantial savings or investment holdings.

How IDGTs Combine These Features

An IDGT is structured as an irrevocable trust for estate and gift tax purposes, removing assets from the taxable estate, but is treated as a grantor trust for income tax purposes. As long as the grantor pays income taxes on trust earnings, the trust’s assets can grow outside the estate, which may appeal to Jones Lang LaSalle professionals with long-term legacy goals.

Why It’s Called “Intentionally Defective”

The trust is drafted so that, under IRS grantor-trust rules, the grantor remains the owner for income tax purposes due to certain retained powers. At the same time, the trust is irrevocable for estate tax purposes, allowing the assets to remain outside the taxable estate—a structure that may assist with multigenerational planning.

Advantages of an Intentionally Defective Grantor Trust

Because an IDGT is a grantor trust for income tax purposes, the grantor pays income tax on trust earnings. This leads to two important benefits that may interest Jones Lang LaSalle employees with high-value assets:

- Trust assets can grow for beneficiaries without being reduced by income tax payments.
- Income tax paid by the grantor reduces the taxable estate without being classified as a gift.

- This dynamic—where grantors use personal funds to pay taxes that would otherwise reduce trust assets—is often referred to as a “tax burn.”

How Assets Are Transferred to an IDGT

Jones Lang LaSalle employees reviewing wealth transfer strategies may encounter two common approaches:

1. Gift or Partial Gift/Sale

A grantor can move assets to an IDGT as a gift. If the gift stays within the lifetime gift and estate tax exemption, it typically does not create out-of-pocket gift tax. Some planning approaches combine a partial gift with a sale to balance estate goals.

2. Sale to the IDGT

Many grantors sell assets to an IDGT in exchange for a promissory note with an interest rate at or above the IRS Applicable Federal Rate (AFR).

- The sale is typically not treated as a taxable gift if conducted at fair market value.
- Appreciation above the AFR occurs outside the grantor’s estate for beneficiaries.
- When AFR rules and loan requirements are followed, the note is treated as valid consideration and carries an interest obligation.

Potential Drawbacks of an IDGT

Once established, an IDGT is difficult to modify, similar to other irrevocable trusts. Outcomes also depend on the trust assets growing at a rate higher than the AFR. If that does not occur, the intended estate planning benefits may fall short—an important consideration for Jones Lang LaSalle employees reviewing various asset types.

Who Might Consider an IDGT?

An IDGT can be appealing for families facing potential estate tax exposure, especially when transferring assets with strong growth potential. This approach works best when the grantor has sufficient liquidity to continue paying the trust’s income taxes personally, a factor some Jones Lang LaSalle employees review when assessing retirement and estate liquidity. Because the structure requires precise legal drafting, it should be established with qualified legal counsel.

Need Support with IDGTs or Retirement Planning?

The Retirement Group can assist you in reviewing whether an IDGT fits into your broader retirement and estate plan as a Jones Lang LaSalle employee. For guidance tailored to your long-term goals, call us at (800) 900-5867 .

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Sources:

1. BMO Wealth Management. Herman, Brad. Intentionally Defective Grantor Trust. BMO Financial Group, Oct. 2021,
https://uswealth.bmo.com/media/filer_public/8b/3f/8b3f85c6-21b0-407e-bfbf-0f9b181c1673/bwm_idgtarticle_1103.pdf .

2. Fidelity Wealth Management. “What Is an Intentionally Defective Grantor Trust (IDGT)?” Fidelity Viewpoints , 4 Dec. 2025,
https://www.fidelity.com/viewpoints/wealth-management/insights/intentionally-defective-grantor-trusts .

3. Hirtle, Callaghan & Co. Estate Planning With Intentionally Defective Grantor Trusts.
Hirtle, Callaghan & Co., 2020,
https://www.hirtlecallaghan.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Intentionally-Defective-Grantor-Trusts.pdf .

4. Nevada Trust Company. Ford-Grella, Jaclyn. “How Intentionally Defective Grantor Trusts Can Safeguard Assets for Future Generations.” Nevada Trust Company , 10 Dec. 2024,
https://www.nevadatrust.com/how-intentionally-defective-grantor-trusts-can-safeguard-assets-for-future-generations/ .

What is the 401(k) plan offered by Jones Lang LaSalle?

The 401(k) plan at Jones Lang LaSalle is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis, helping them build a nest egg for retirement.

Does Jones Lang LaSalle match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Jones Lang LaSalle offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.

How can employees at Jones Lang LaSalle enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan at Jones Lang LaSalle by accessing the benefits portal or contacting the HR department for assistance.

What types of investment options are available in the Jones Lang LaSalle 401(k) plan?

The Jones Lang LaSalle 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock.

When can employees at Jones Lang LaSalle start contributing to their 401(k) plan?

Employees at Jones Lang LaSalle can typically start contributing to their 401(k) plan after completing their initial eligibility period, which is outlined in the employee handbook.

Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in the Jones Lang LaSalle 401(k) plan?

Yes, Jones Lang LaSalle has a vesting schedule for the employer match, which means employees must work for a certain period to fully own the matched contributions.

Can employees take loans against their 401(k) savings at Jones Lang LaSalle?

Yes, employees can take loans against their 401(k) savings at Jones Lang LaSalle, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan documents.

What happens to the 401(k) plan if an employee leaves Jones Lang LaSalle?

If an employee leaves Jones Lang LaSalle, they have several options for their 401(k) plan, including rolling it over to an IRA or a new employer's plan, or cashing it out.

How often can employees change their contribution rate to the Jones Lang LaSalle 401(k) plan?

Employees at Jones Lang LaSalle can change their contribution rate to the 401(k) plan at designated times throughout the year, as specified in the plan guidelines.

Are there any fees associated with the 401(k) plan at Jones Lang LaSalle?

Yes, there may be fees associated with the 401(k) plan at Jones Lang LaSalle, which are disclosed in the plan documents and can vary based on investment choices.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

Plan Name: Jones Lang LaSalle Employee Pension Plan Years of Service and Age Qualification: Employees typically need to complete a minimum number of years of service to qualify for the pension plan. The specific requirements can vary based on the plan’s terms. Pension Formula: The pension formula used by Jones Lang LaSalle is based on factors such as years of service, salary history, and age at retirement. The exact formula can be found in the pension plan documentation. Qualification for 401(k) Plan: Eligibility for the 401(k) plan generally includes all full-time employees who meet certain service and age requirements. 401(k) Plan Name: Jones Lang LaSalle 401(k) Plan

Layoffs and Restructuring: In early 2023, Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) announced a significant restructuring plan, including the reduction of around 5% of its global workforce. This move was attributed to the company's strategy to streamline operations and adapt to changing market conditions. The reduction affects various departments, particularly those in support functions. It’s important to follow this news given the current economic climate, as companies are reassessing their structures amid economic uncertainty and shifting investment priorities. Understanding these changes can provide insights into broader market trends and potential impacts on employee benefits and job security. Changes to Benefits and Retirement Plans: In mid-2023, JLL also updated its employee benefits, including modifications to its pension and 401(k) plans. The company reduced its matching contributions to 401(k) plans and revised its pension plan options to align with its new business strategy and cost management efforts. These changes come as part of JLL's broader efforts to optimize financial performance amid fluctuating economic conditions. Monitoring these adjustments is crucial as they reflect broader trends in corporate benefits adjustments, influenced by tax and investment factors, and can impact employee retirement planning and financial security.

Stock Options: Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) offered stock options primarily to senior executives and high-level employees in 2022. The company used stock options to align executives' interests with shareholders' interests. JLL’s stock options were generally tied to performance metrics and long-term strategic goals. RSUs: In 2022, Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) at Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) were granted to employees across various levels, including middle management and above. RSUs served as a retention tool and were often granted based on performance evaluations and tenure. JLL utilized RSUs to provide employees with ownership stakes in the company, typically vesting over a period of time.

Health Benefits Information: JLL provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. They also offer health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs). Specific details for 2022-2024 can be found in the benefits section of their career page or employee handbook, though exact details may vary based on location and employment status. Acronyms and Terms: HSAs (Health Savings Accounts), FSAs (Flexible Spending Accounts), PPO (Preferred Provider Organization), HMO (Health Maintenance Organization).