Northwest Trustee & Management Services is officially chartered in the state of Nevada as Northwest Trust Company of Nevada, LLC—a strategic move that unlocks even greater benefits for our clients and their long-term planning goals.
Nevada is one of the most advantageous states in the country for trust administration, asset protection, and generational wealth planning.
Advantages of Our Nevada Charter
- Industry-Leading Asset Protection
Nevada leads the nation in asset protection laws, including Domestic Asset Protection Trusts (DAPTs) that shield personal assets, a short two-year statute of limitations on creditor claims, and strong defenses against future liabilities. These statutory provisions allow clients to secure their wealth—confidently and legally.
- Tax-Efficient Asset Growth Without State Income Tax
Nevada is a tax-neutral jurisdiction with no personal income tax, no corporate income tax, and no franchise tax on income. This allows trust assets to grow more efficiently under our care while we continue to apply prudent, long-term fiduciary stewardship.
While Nevada law provides strong statutory protections, results may vary. Federal bankruptcy law and courts in other states may not always recognize Nevada’s protections. Clients should consult their own attorneys to confirm how these rules may apply to their circumstances.
- Superior Privacy and Confidentiality
For individuals and families who value discretion, Nevada offers unmatched privacy. Due to minimal reporting and public disclosure requirements, strong protections for trust and estate matters, and sealed probate and trust records, clients’ personal and financial affairs stay confidential.
- Modern and Flexible Trust Laws
Nevada’s progressive statutes allow us to offer greater customization. Whether clients are seeking Directed Trusts, trust decanting, or Dynasty Trusts that are not subject to the Rule Against Perpetuities, the flexibility of our Nevada charter allows us to administer trusts that meet families’ evolving goals.
- Ideal for High-Net-Worth Families
Nevada is one of the preferred trust situses for ultra-affluent families or family offices with complex assets and estates.
An Estate and Trust Planning Scenario
Kevin and Maria Woolworth were high-income, Portland, Oregon, residents with a significant investment portfolio and a family-owned business. As part of a broader estate and wealth planning strategy, they had engaged their team of advisors with the aim of minimizing state income tax exposure on their investment income and capital gains.
The Woolworths had been advised to establish a Nevada Incomplete Gift Non-Grantor Trust, commonly known as a NING Trust and selected Northwest Trust Company of Nevada, LLC, as the corporate trustee. The NING trust was designed as a non-grantor trust, meaning that the trust itself—not Kevin and Maria—was treated as the taxpayer. The Woolworths had made an “incomplete gift” when transferring assets into the trust, thereby retaining specific rights that prevented the transfer from being categorized as a completed gift under federal gift tax rules.
Next, Kevin had contributed a range of appreciated assets—including marketable securities, fixed-income instruments, and interests in their family business with a low cost basis—into the NING Trust. Once transferred, these assets were owned by the trust rather than by the individuals. Earnings such as dividends, interest, and capital gains generated within the trust were attributed to the trust itself. Because the trust was domiciled in Nevada, which imposed no state income tax, Oregon taxes were not triggered on this investment income.‡
The trust was structured to preserve non-grantor status for federal income tax purposes, with Kevin and Maria retaining narrowly tailored rights that did not undermine the tax characterization. While the trust remained subject to federal income tax, and individual Oregon income taxes could still have applied to any distributions made back to Kevin and Maria, the central tax benefit lay in the deferral or non-applicability of Oregon income tax on earnings retained within the trust.
Northwest Trust Company of Nevada, LLC, as trustee, had discretion over the distributions, ensuring that the trust’s status as a non-grantor trust was maintained.
For the Woolworths, the outcome was compelling. Where they had previously been subject to Oregon’s top income tax rates—up to 9.9 percent—on their investment returns, the NING Trust structure allowed them to shield trust income from Oregon taxation. This translated to significant annual tax savings and improved long-term wealth preservation.
What Nevada Situs Means for You
For over 35 years, Northwest Trustee has provided professional and compassionate service to clients and families across the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Whether a client’s focus is asset protection, succession, or tax efficiency, our Nevada charter positions us to offer even more strategic advantages.
As a Nevada-chartered trust company, Northwest Trustee & Management Services can now provide greater legal and tax-planning* flexibility, enhanced privacy protections, and access to cutting-edge tools for multigenerational wealth transfer. Most importantly, we are better equipped to help clients build, preserve, and protect their legacy—now and well into the future.
Legal & Tax Advice
Any client considering a trust in Nevada should work closely with their estate planning attorney, tax advisor, and the corporate trustee to ensure the trust is properly structured and complies with all relevant laws.
* While Nevada law provides strong statutory protections, results may vary. Federal bankruptcy law and courts in other states may not always recognize Nevada’s protections. Clients should consult their own attorneys to confirm how these rules may apply to their circumstances.
** While Nevada law provides strong confidentiality, trustees remain subject to fiduciary duties and statutory disclosure requirements to beneficiaries.
‡ Oregon’s Department of Revenue may still claim taxing authority under its “resident trust” rules if the trust has Oregon connections, such as Oregon-based beneficiaries or assets. Each client’s circumstances are unique, and independent legal and tax advice is essential before proceeding.
Greg Bowman
Chief Executive Officer
Published Winter 2026