The Alameda California Granter Retained Annuity Trust, commonly known as GREAT, is a specialized estate planning tool that allows individuals to transfer assets to their beneficiaries while still retaining a source of income. This irrevocable trust is established by a granter (the person creating the trust) and involves transferring assets such as property, investments, or businesses into the trust. Keywords: Alameda California, Granter Retained Annuity Trust, GREAT, estate planning, irrevocable trust, beneficiaries, assets, property, investments, businesses. There are two different types of Alameda California Granter Retained Annuity Trusts: the "standard" GREAT and the "Walton" GREAT. Both types function similarly, but they differ in the way they calculate annuity payments. 1. Standard GREAT: This type of GREAT allows the granter to receive a fixed annuity payment for a specified period of time. The annuity payments are calculated using the interest rate prescribed by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) known as the 7520 rate. At the end of the annuity period, any remaining assets in the trust pass to the designated beneficiaries without incurring additional gift or estate taxes. 2. Walton GREAT: The Walton GREAT, named after the Walton family who popularized its use, is a variation of the standard GREAT. It allows the granter to receive annuity payments equal to the initial value of the assets transferred into the trust, plus an additional fixed growth percentage. This mechanism provides an opportunity to transfer wealth more effectively, especially if the assets are expected to appreciate significantly. Both types of Alameda California Granter Retained Annuity Trusts offer potential tax advantages for estate planning. By transferring assets to the trust, the granter can remove them from their taxable estate, potentially reducing the overall estate tax liability. Furthermore, any growth or appreciation that occurs within the trust during the annuity period is excluded from the granter's estate for tax purposes. It is essential to consult with a qualified estate planning attorney or financial advisor in Alameda, California, to understand the specific legal and financial implications of establishing a Granter Retained Annuity Trust. They can provide personalized guidance based on individual circumstances and estate planning goals while taking into account any state-specific regulations or requirements.
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.