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QUALIFIED SETTLEMENT FUNDS (468B TRUSTS)
A Qualified Settlement Fund (QSF), also referred to as a 468B Trust, is an exceptionally useful settlement tool that allows time to properly resolve mass tort litigation and other cases involving multiple claimants. When a QSF is created and funded, the defendant makes a payment into the trust account in exchange for a full release of all claims.
Qualified Settlement Funds: Benefits for Both Sides
In addition to the release of liability, the defendant is eligible to receive an immediate tax deduction for the payment. In the meantime, claimants gain the time they need to receive a proper settlement consultation and to determine their best settlement options.
The additional time also allows for lien resolution and the preparation of required documentation without the time pressures of litigation. Claimants without any outstanding issues will not have to wait for their co-claimants’ issues to be resolved in order to receive their settlement distribution.
Qualified Settlement Fund Services
Sage Settlement Consulting provides qualified settlement fund administration services, including:
- Preparing all motions, court orders, and documents needed to establish and administer the fund
- Generating client closing statements and providing accounting for the fund
- Disbursement of all claimant payments, including directing funding of Special Needs Trusts and/or structured settlements
- Live call center assistance
- Attorney fee and expense disbursement
- Executing qualified assignments
- Managing payment of finalized liens
- Printed educational materials for claimants
- National bankruptcy and probate coordination
- Fraud protection/check validity verification
- Daily account reconciliation, monthly financial accounting, and reporting
- Treasury management and investment of funds within the QSF
- Tax return filings and 1099 issuance
- Access to local elder law and probate attorneys across the country
- Closing of the fund and interest reconciliation
How a QSF Works in Mass Tort Litigation
- Settlement Agreement Reached – The defendant agrees to settle the case, and the court approves the creation of a QSF.
- Defendant Transfers Funds – Settlement funds are deposited into the QSF, releasing the defendant from liability.
- Claims Are Processed – Attorneys, financial advisors, and settlement administrators review claims and determine payouts.
- Payments Are Distributed – Funds are allocated to claimants, attorneys, and any structured settlements.
Why Work with Sage Settlement Consulting?
At Sage Settlement Consulting, we specialize in managing Qualified Settlement Funds for mass tort cases, ensuring that both attorneys and plaintiffs maximize financial benefits while reducing administrative burdens. Our services include:
✔ QSF Setup & Compliance – We establish and manage QSFs in full compliance with IRS regulations and court requirements.
✔ Tax-Efficient Payout Planning – We work with plaintiffs to create structured settlements and minimize tax exposure.
✔ Attorney Fee Structuring – We help attorneys defer income for tax benefits and financial planning.
✔ Government Benefit Protection – We structure distributions to help claimants maintain Medicaid and SSDI eligibility.
Related Readings:
- 3 Reasons to Consider a Qualified Settlement Fund
- What is a Qualified Settlement Fund?
- How Do Qualified Settlement Funds Resolve Multi-Claimant Lawsuits More Efficiently
- Using a Qualified Settlement Fund for Covid-19 Class Action Settlements
For more information about Qualified Settlement Funds, contact us today.
FAQs: Qualified Settlement Fund
Who benefits from a Qualified Settlement Fund?
Both plaintiffs and attorneys benefit. Plaintiffs get controlled, tax-efficient payouts, while attorneys can manage fees and reduce immediate tax liabilities.
Are QSFs only used for mass tort cases?
No, QSFs can also be used in class actions, personal injury settlements, and environmental litigation.
How long can settlement funds remain in a QSF?
There is no set time limit, but the goal is to distribute funds efficiently while optimizing tax and financial planning for claimants.
Does using a QSF delay payments to plaintiffs?
No, a QSF actually helps speed up the distribution process while allowing customized payout options for claimants.
How do I set up a QSF for my case?
At Sage Settlement Consulting, we handle the entire QSF setup process, ensuring compliance and efficient management. Contact us for a consultation.
See What clients Are Saying
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“- Marcus J. Bradley, Marlin & Saltzman
I worked with Lance Harris for the first time in 2013. Lance and his assistant were fantastic. They made the [structured settlement] process very easy and provided me with all of the documentation I needed to get the petition for the minor's comp
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“- Kurt Arnold, Partner & Co-Founder, Arnold & Itkin LLP
I have worked with Scott Freeman since the days my firm opened the doors over a decade ago. I trust Scott to ensure my clients' needs are always met both now and into the future. The most impressive thing with Scott is that he finds a way to keep in tou
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“- Robert Molettiere, Moletteire & Torpy
You certainly have made your case that it is vital for me to have you at mediation to get the numbers that are best for my client. Thanks for all your hard work on this case.
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“- Paige W
Need the BEST? Look no further than Susan Gleason! She helped our family with an annuity settlement in a tremendous way! Her style, commitment, and interpersonal skills go unmatched!
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“- Attorney Richard M. Kenny
From my perspective, structuring a portion of my fee out of the settlement proceeds of the case we worked together on several years ago was the smartest move I ever made. With Mitch Kobil's help, I put together a financial plan that provided my three ch
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“- Brian Panish, Panish, Shea & Boyle, LLP | Los Angeles, CA
They are ardent supporters of the plaintiff bar community, and we consider them an integral part of our team.
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“- Mitchell Proner, Proner & Proner | New York City, NY
Christina is a caring, hard-working, and knowledgeable professional. She is meticulous about the details to protect my clients' futures. I would highly recommend her to anybody in need of an experienced settlement planner.
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“- Lawrence M. Kelly, Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George | New Castle, PA
Any time that I'm in need of a structured settlement proposal for one of my clients George Audi is my first call. George and his staff provide the needed information and settlement options in a prompt and professional manner. George is also a valuable s
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