A Chicago Illinois Granter Retained Annuity Trust, often referred to as GREAT, is a legal and financial tool utilized by individuals in the city of Chicago, Illinois for transferring their assets to future generations while minimizing estate taxes. This trust is established by a granter, who is the original owner of the assets, and the granter retains an annuity interest in the trust for a predetermined period of time. The Chicago Illinois GREAT allows the granter to transfer assets, such as property, investments, or businesses, into the trust with the intention of gifting them to beneficiaries, typically their children or grandchildren. This trust provides the granter with certain benefits while facilitating the transfer of assets. One significant advantage is the potential reduction of estate taxes, as the taxable value of the assets is calculated based on the present value of the annuity interest retained by the granter. There are various types of Chicago Illinois Granter Retained Annuity Trusts that can be established, depending on the granter's specific objectives and circumstances. Some common types include: 1. Zeroed-Out GREAT: This type of GREAT aims to eliminate the gift tax implications by setting the annuity payments such that the present value of the retained interest is nearly equal to the value of the transferred assets initially. It allows the granter to pass the appreciation of the assets to the beneficiaries with minimal tax consequences. 2. Term GREAT: With a term-based GREAT, the granter determines a fixed term during which annuity payments are received. At the end of the term, any remaining assets in the trust pass to the beneficiaries without incurring additional gift tax. 3. Rolling GREAT: A rolling GREAT is a series of Grants established one after another, with the annuity payments from the previous GREAT used to fund the subsequent one. This strategy is used to take advantage of potential market growth and allow for a continued transfer of assets with reduced tax ramifications. 4. Charitable Lead Annuity Trust (FLAT): While not strictly a GREAT, a FLAT incorporates charitable beneficiaries in addition to non-charitable beneficiaries. It allows the granter to support charitable causes during the term of the trust, with any remaining assets passing on to the non-charitable beneficiaries afterward. By establishing a Chicago Illinois Granter Retained Annuity Trust, individuals can effectively transfer their wealth to future generations while taking advantage of tax-efficient strategies. It is crucial to consult with experienced estate planning professionals and tax advisors to determine the most suitable type of GREAT based on one's unique financial circumstances, goals, and the ever-evolving tax landscape.
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.