The District of Columbia Granter Retained Annuity Trust (GREAT) is a legal and financial planning tool designed to help individuals or families pass assets to their heirs while potentially reducing taxes. It is important to note that while this description focuses on the general concept of a GREAT, specific rules and regulations may vary within different jurisdictions, such as the District of Columbia. A Granter Retained Annuity Trust involves transferring assets into the trust while the granter (creator of the trust) retains the right to receive annual payments, known as annuity payments, for a fixed period of time. The annuity payments are usually a fixed percentage of the initial value of the assets contributed to the trust. By creating a GREAT, the granter can potentially remove the value of the assets from their taxable estate, reducing the potential estate tax burden. If the granter survives the fixed period, any remaining assets within the trust will pass to the designated beneficiaries (usually family members or trusts) without being subjected to estate tax. However, it is important to consult with a qualified estate planning attorney or financial advisor to understand the specific tax implications and benefits of a GREAT in the District of Columbia. In the District of Columbia, there may be different types of Granter Retained Annuity Trusts, such as: 1. Standard GREAT: This is the most common type of GREAT, where the granter establishes the trust, retains the annuity payments for a fixed period, and designates beneficiaries to receive any remaining assets after the fixed period. 2. GREAT with a Zeroed-out Gift: In this type, the annuity payments made to the granter are set at a level that effectively reduces the taxable gift to zero. This strategy is often used to limit gift tax liability. 3. Rolling GREAT: A rolling GREAT involves creating multiple Grants with staggered terms. As one trust ends, its assets are rolled into a new GREAT, allowing the granter to transfer assets to future generations while potentially avoiding gift and estate taxes. It is important to consult with professionals knowledgeable about the District of Columbia's specific laws and regulations governing Granter Retained Annuity Trusts to determine the most suitable type for your estate planning goals.
Para su conveniencia, debajo del texto en español le brindamos la versión completa de este formulario en inglés. For your convenience, the complete English version of this form is attached below the Spanish version.