Donald Trump’s decision to bury his first wife, Ivana Trump, at his Bedminster golf course in New Jersey has sparked discussions about potential financial motivations behind the move. While the official reasons for this burial location remain undisclosed, several factors suggest possible financial considerations.New York Magazine
New Jersey Cemetery Tax Exemptions
New Jersey law provides tax exemptions for land designated as a cemetery. Specifically, cemetery companies are exempt from real estate taxes, rates, assessments, personal property taxes, business taxes, sales taxes, income taxes, and inheritance taxes . This has led to speculation that designating a portion of the Bedminster property as a cemetery could offer significant tax benefits.Morristown Minute+5Check Your Fact+5The Guardian+5The Guardian+1Check Your Fact+1
Trump’s History with Cemetery Designations
The Trump Family Trust has previously sought to designate parts of the Bedminster property as a cemetery. In 2014, the trust applied to the New Jersey State Cemetery Board to obtain a certificate of authority to operate a cemetery company on a section of the golf club . Plans have included proposals for a family mausoleum and a commercial cemetery with up to 284 plots .Lead Stories+6Morristown Minute+6The Guardian+6Newsweek+1Above the Law+1The Guardian+1Wikipedia+1
Limitations and Speculations
While the burial of Ivana Trump could potentially aid in achieving cemetery designation, it’s important to note that the presence of a single grave does not automatically confer tax-exempt status to the entire property. Experts have pointed out that additional steps and approvals are necessary to qualify for such exemptions . Furthermore, as of the latest reports, there is no public record indicating that the Bedminster property has been officially designated as a tax-exempt cemetery.New Jersey 101.5
Conclusion
The burial of Ivana Trump at the Bedminster golf course aligns with previous efforts by Donald Trump to explore cemetery designations for parts of the property. While this move could potentially offer tax advantages under New Jersey law, there is currently no concrete evidence that such benefits have been realized. The situation underscores the complexities of tax law and the various strategies individuals may consider in estate and property planning.
