Harris Texas Granter Retained Annuity Trust (GREAT) is a specific type of trust that allows granters to retain an annuity payout while transferring assets to beneficiaries. It is a commonly used estate planning tool that offers both tax benefits and asset protection. The essence of a Harris Texas GREAT lies in its structure. The granter establishes the trust and funds it with assets such as cash, stock, or real estate. They retain the right to receive annual annuity payments for a fixed term, typically ranging from 2 to 20 years. At the end of the term, the remaining trust assets pass to the designated beneficiaries, which may include family members or charitable organizations. One of the main advantages of a Harris Texas GREAT is its potential to minimize estate and gift taxes. By transferring assets into the trust, the granter freezes their taxable estate value, potentially reducing the overall estate tax liability. Any asset appreciation above the annuity payments escapes estate taxation. Additionally, the taxable gift made upon creating the GREAT can be offset by the granter's available gift tax exemption, further reducing potential tax obligations. When establishing a Harris Texas GREAT, it is crucial to consider several key aspects. The annuity payments must be calculated using the IRS's Section 7520 rate, which changes monthly. Ideally, the annuity amount should be set in a way that the remainder interest (assets ultimately passing to beneficiaries) equals zero, as this would essentially eliminate any gift tax. Moreover, the granter must survive the GREAT term to fully benefit from the wealth transfer strategy. While there are no specific "types" of Harris Texas Grants, variations in their design can cater to individual needs and objectives. These may include: 1. Standard GREAT: The most common type of GREAT, where the annuity amount is fixed and remains consistent throughout the term. 2. Zeroed-Out GREAT: A GREAT structured to reduce or eliminate any potential gift tax liability by setting the annuity payments high enough to prevent a remainder interest. 3. Rolling GREAT: This technique involves creating a series of Grants with overlapping terms. It seeks to leverage appreciation and minimize tax impact by allowing successful Grants to fund subsequent ones. 4. Charitable GREAT: A GREAT that incorporates a charitable beneficiary, enabling granters to receive annuity payments while supporting philanthropic causes. This can also provide additional estate tax benefits. It is essential to consult with experienced professionals, such as estate planning attorneys or financial advisors, to ensure compliance with applicable laws and to tailor a Harris Texas GREAT to specific objectives and circumstances.
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.