Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 199trust.com's service less expensive when compared to others? Am I sacrificing something?

A: We are a solid market leader in NFA Trust document creation, having created over 25,000 Trust documents for customers just like yourself since 2012.  We’re less expensive because we care about value, and we know if we treat our customers fairly, they will tell their friends about us! You aren’t sacrificing quality.

Q: Are Gun Trusts complicated?

A: No, lawyers may make the process seem complicated but it’s actually simple. Our easy to follow instructions and documents make the process straightforward.

I already own NFA items as an individual how do I transfer them to my Trust?

Any NFA items owned as an individual would require an ATF form 4 transfer and $200 tax stamp payment to transfer to your Trust. This is why it is important to tell your friends about the benefits of using a Trust!

What is the turnaround time on my docs?

A: You can expect email delivery of your documents by next morning or within 24 hrs, for rush orders around 4-6 hrs but typically within the hour during normal business hoursfeel free to reach out by chat or email if you need your docs sent out sooner and we will do our best to get your docs out asap. For mail delivery of hardcopy orders please allow up to 3-5 business days for shipping and handling. For our shrink and lamination service (after receiving back scan of completed Trust docs) please allow up to 5-7 business days for shipping and handling.

I have my Gun Trust now, what next?

A: Once you have the docs signed and notarized you may submit a copy of the trust paperwork along with the ATF form 4 or 1 and form 23 (with fingerprint records and photos for each responsible person/co-trustee) to the ATF when you’re ready to arrange for purchase of your NFA item. Otherwise there is no other submission of the Trust documents to the ATF. Your local Class 3 dealer will be helpful with the paperwork needed. 

It’s also worth making a call to your local county records office to see if they keep trusts on hand for probate reasons. This will NOT affect ATF processing. 

Are there any recurring or annual costs to a gun Trust?
A: Not at all. Zero. Zilch. Nada. You pay once and you’re done.
How many NFA Trusts have you done and how long have you been in business?

A: We started doing NFA Trusts in August of 2012 and to date we’ve done over 25,000 NFA Trusts and have never had one denied or delayed by the ATF.  Not convinced? Click HERE to see what a random sampling of our customers think our service. 

Can I use the Trust for more than one item?
A: Yes, the same Trust can be used purchase/hold an unlimited amount of items.
Can minors be beneficiaries?

A: Yes absolutely! Should you pass before they turn 18, the items will be held for them by a Co-Trustee (or the Successor Trustee) until they turn 18 and can take proper distribution of the item(s) that you wish to pass on to them.

Can I add ‘authorized users’?

A: Yes, they’re called Co-Trustees and must sign and notarize as responsible parties to the Trust. This is one of the major differences between an NFA specific Trust and other non specific Trusts. (Side note: If you see a Trust service or lawyer that is creating documents that allow people only listed as beneficiaries or anyone other than a Co-Trustee to possess the NFA items in the trust…. run far and fast because they likely don’t know what they’re doing.)

Is there a limit to the number of Co-Trustees?

A: No limit, however, keep in mind that they need to sign and notarize the Trust initially. Also, an important consideration are 41F requirements wherein Co-Trustees are required to submit fingerprint cards and photographs (see HERE for more info on that). We include amendment templates for you to amend the Trust at your convenience to make these and other changes down the road. It’s simple to do so don’t feel like you need to include the extended family off the bat, remember our Trusts are flexible in the future as a rule.

Can a Co-Trustee live in another state?

A: Yes they can, no problem. If they are going to possess the items in that state however you will need to consult the laws in that state to make sure it’s legal. Also anytime you’re moving items to another state (temporarily or permanently) look into submitting a ATF form 5320.20 to notify them of the relocation of the items.

Who can use the item without me being directly present?
A: Only Co-Trustees
Do I need to open a bank account for the Trust?

A: No. In fact most people we talk to choose not to because they are using an NFA Trust to make life easier not add complication. However if you wish to open a bank account, the Trust documents you will receive are suited to do so. You’ll simply need to get an EIN (employer identification number) which you can get instantly online at irs.gov.

Are your Trusts multi-generational?

A: No, they are living revocable Trusts. Multi-generational Trusts are a bit fickle and to be honest, gimmicky, especially when it comes to NFA Trusts. With 41F regulations and property able to be passed down tax free (via ATF form 5) to beneficiaries, Multi-Generational Gun Trusts are pointless and overly complicated.

 

Can I change my Trust in the future?

A: Yes of course! We include amendment templates for you to make changes such as adding/removing co-trustees, successor trustees, beneficiaries, and changing addresses. Amending our Trust documents is very simple and more instructions for that will be included with your documents. Our change request form is also available to those who have yet to submit their Trust with an NFA transfer. 

When do you add items to the assignment sheet?

A: Simple, when you physically possess the serialized property. For example, if you are doing a form 1 and making an SBR, you already possess the lower receiver so you can assign it to the Trust before you submit the form 1 with a copy of the Trust.

Conversely, when you are doing a Form 4 (for something you are buying from a dealer or another individual) you will not possess the item until the form 4 comes back with the stamp approved and the item is released it to you, therefore you will not add the serial number of the item you are doing the form 4 for until it’s released to you and is in your possession.

I’ve heard about adding property to the assignment sheet such as a 1 dollar bill so as not to send it in blank, is that true?
A: Yes, you can do that, and it “funds” the Trust thereby making the Trust bona fide. If you want to add a dollar bill you can format it like this on the the assignment sheet:

Make: US Federal Reserve

Model: $1 bill

Serial#: XXXXXXXX

Can I add minors as Co-Trustees?
A: Negative, Co-Trustees must be able to legally possess firearms (not be a prohibited person) and be 18+
I have an NFA specific question, can you help?

A: We will do our best and are knowledgeable, however, the best resource for pointed NFA information is to call the ATF’s NFA branch at (304) 616-4500. They can also be reached via email at nfafax@atf.gov. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them, they’re all cool cats up there and often go out of their way to make sure you’re taken care of and well informed.

Do I need to register the Trust with my state?
A: Most states don’t require you to notify them of the creation of a Trust, however, some states do require that you register/notify them of a Trust. It likely will not have anything to do with the ATF’s approval process, but it can determine whether or not a Trust is considered bona fide and definitely worth a quick call

Lookup and call your county/parish/borough or state records office and see how (if need be) you can register your newly minted Trust. If needed, the process will be simple.

Does 199 Trust save a copy of my Trust?

A: Only the unfilled copy sent out with your initial order, unless a scan was emailed to us for a shrink and lamination service in which case we retain a digital copy for a limited time only. It is highly recommended that you make additional hardcopies and save digital copies (online and offline) of your completed Trust to save yourself from any future worry as we claim no official duty to retain sent documentation.

I have an existing trust through you guys, is there anything I need to change?

A: Generally speaking, no, but if you have moved to a different address you’ll want to amend the trust to reflect that and notify the ATF via form 20. Any other changes to the trust can be done via the supplied amendment templates. If your Trust docs were emailed out to you before July 2016 you will want to make sure to add the amendment at this link per ATF 41F changes if you have not already done so.

Why do birds suddenly appear every time I am near?
A: Because, just like us, they long to be close to you.