Discretionary powers -- Tax savings.
Utah Code § 75B-2-812
in effect75B-2-812. Discretionary powers -- Tax savings.
(1) Notwithstanding the breadth of discretion granted to a trustee in the terms of the trust, including the use of such terms as "absolute," "sole," or "uncontrolled," the trustee shall exercise a discretionary power in good faith and in accordance with the terms and purposes of the trust and the interests of the beneficiaries.
(2) Subject to Subsection (4), and unless the terms of the trust expressly indicate that a requirement described in this section does not apply:
(a) a person other than a settlor who is a beneficiary and trustee of a trust that confers on the trustee a power to make discretionary distributions to or for the trustee's personal benefit may exercise the power only in accordance with an ascertainable standard relating to the trustee's individual health, education, support, or maintenance within the meaning of Subsection 2041(b)(1)(A) or 2514(c)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as in effect on May 1, 2004; and
(b) a trustee may not exercise a power to make discretionary distributions to satisfy a legal obligation of support that the trustee personally owes another person.
(3)
(a) A power whose exercise is limited or prohibited by Subsection (2) may be exercised by a majority of the remaining trustees whose exercise of the power is not so limited or prohibited.
(b) If the power of all trustees is so limited or prohibited, the court may appoint a special fiduciary with authority to exercise the power.
(4) Subsection (2) does not apply to:
(a) a power held by the settlor's spouse who is the trustee of a trust for which a marital deduction, as defined in Subsection 2056(b)(5) or 2523(e) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as in effect on May 1, 2004, was previously allowed;
(b) any trust during any period that the trust may be revoked or amended by the trust's settlor; or
(c) a trust if contributions to the trust qualify for the annual exclusion under Subsection 2503(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as in effect on May 1, 2004.
Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 310, 2025 General Session
Source: Utah Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel (le.utah.gov)URL: https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title75B/Chapter2/75B-2-S812.html?v=C75B-2-S812_2025050720250507Fetched: 10/26/2026