California discretionary trust tax — state-seal shield, trust document, gavel and tax folders
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California Discretionary Trust Tax: FTB 2026-01 Ruling

When is a California resident beneficiary of a discretionary trust actually taxed on trust income? Only when the trustee decides to distribute. In its new Legal Ruling 2026-01, the FTB confirmed that California discretionary trust tax under R&TC section 17742 hinges on whether the beneficiary’s interest is “contingent” — and while the trustee holds sole…