A significant benefit of using trusts is the ability to minimize state level income taxes. The availability of this strategy depends on the residence of the trust creator (the “settlor”); the residence of the trustee; the residence of the trust beneficiaries; the type of assets owned by the trust; and the type of income earned by the trust. When all of the factors align correctly, the trust settlor can minimize, or even eliminate, state level income tax on the trust assets.