Unusual Title Pattern

[Jim Frame]

I’m working on a project that involves 3 adjacent parcels (A, B & C). According to the most recent deeds I’ve found (2018), 2 are currently owned by Smith, 1 is owned by Church1. But I noticed a peculiar title history for all 3.

In the listing below, Smith, Jones, Doe and Roe are individuals; Church1 and Church2 are non-profit religious organizations (which may share governing bodies, not sure); and Bank is an S&L.

Parcel A (Smith’s house)

• 1986 Doe to Jones
  1990 Jones to Church1
  1991 Church1 to Jones
  2003 Jones to Church1
  2004 Church1 to Jones
  2004 Jones to Church1
  2006 Church1 to Jones
  2006 Jones to Church1
  2018 Church1 to Smith

Parcel B (vacant lot)

• 1991 Roe to Church1
  2003 Church1 to Jones
  2003 Jones to Church1

Parcel C (ethnic cultural center)

• 1986 Bank to Jones
  1990 Jones to Church1
  1991 Church1 to Jones
  1996 Jones to Church2
  2008 Church2 to Church1
  2018 Church1 to Smith

Smith lives in a house on Parcel A, and appears to be in charge of the cultural center, which is run (I think) by Church1.

I’ve been trying to come up with a logical explanation for all the ping-pong transfers — legal or otherwise — but none have suggested themselves yet. Anyone here ever seen a pattern like this and/or have an explanation for it?

[Robert Martin]

I have seen bizarre transfers somewhat similar to that before (not quite as complicated as yours). In my case the current owner was (is) a very lucid 70 year old man, and was able to shed light on the transfers. Your best bet is to ask Jones, or Smith, or someone in the know...

[Jim Frame]

Also interesting: the service provider I use for Assessor and title documents (NetrOnline) lists the current ownership of Parcel A as "Smith / Church1" rather than just Smith.

[CBarrett]

Someone is evading something, legally or otherwise. I dont know the land ownership rules for nonprofits and special organizations.
Maybe capital gains is in play.