An Indiana Qualified Domestic Trust Agreement, commonly known as an Indiana DOT Agreement, is a legal document designed to address estate planning concerns for non-U.S. citizen spouses who inherit property from their U.S. citizen spouses. This arrangement allows the non-U.S. citizen spouse to take advantage of the marital deduction and defer the payment of federal estate taxes until the property is sold or transferred. In order to qualify as an Indiana DOT Agreement, certain requirements must be met. Firstly, the trust must be created after the death of the U.S. citizen spouse and be irrevocable. Additionally, the trust must have at least one trustee, who can be an individual or an institution, and must be a U.S. citizen or a U.S. domestic corporation. The trustee's role is crucial as they are responsible for managing the trust assets and ensuring compliance with the trust agreement. Furthermore, the Indiana DOT Agreement dictates that at least one trustee must be a qualified trustee, which means they will be personally liable for any taxes imposed on the trust. This provision is essential as it ensures the IRS can collect estate taxes if the non-U.S. citizen spouse were to avoid making the necessary payments. There are two primary types of Indiana Qualified Domestic Trust Agreements. The first type is a "system trust" or a "conduit trust." Under this arrangement, the income generated by the trust is distributed annually to the non-U.S. citizen spouse, and any estate taxes applicable to the principal portion of the trust are deferred until the non-U.S. citizen spouse's death. However, the principal cannot be distributed without triggering estate taxes. The second type of Indiana DOT Agreement is a "comprehensive trust" or a "non-conduit trust." This trust offers more flexibility by allowing the trustee to distribute both income and principal to the non-U.S. citizen spouse and, at the same time, defer estate taxes. It provides greater control and access to the trust assets for the surviving non-U.S. citizen spouse. In conclusion, an Indiana Qualified Domestic Trust Agreement serves as a vital tool for non-U.S. citizen spouses to effectively manage and preserve their inherited wealth while minimizing estate taxes. It ensures compliance with U.S. estate tax laws and allows the surviving spouse to benefit from the marital deduction. By choosing the appropriate type of trust agreement, individuals can tailor their estate plan to their specific needs and goals.