Indiana Marital-deduction Residuary Trust with a Single Trust or and Lifetime Income and Power of Appointment in Beneficiary Spouse, also known as a MOST, is a legal instrument specifically designed for married individuals residing in Indiana. This specialized trust provides several important benefits and features that can help safeguard and distribute assets in a tax-efficient manner after the trust or's passing. The following types of Indiana Marital-deduction Residuary Trust with a Single Trust or and Lifetime Income and Power of Appointment in Beneficiary Spouse can be established: 1. Basic MOST: The basic MOST is created by a single trust or (the deceased spouse) to benefit their surviving spouse as the beneficiary. This trust allows the surviving spouse to receive income generated from the trust assets during their lifetime, ensuring financial security without direct ownership. 2. Lifetime Income Provisions: The MOST includes provisions that provide the surviving spouse with a regular income stream throughout their lifetime. The income can derive from interest, dividends, rental payments, or any other income-producing assets within the trust. The surviving spouse can rely on this stable income to meet their financial needs after the trust or's passing. 3. Power of Appointment: The beneficiary spouse has the power of appointment, which means they have the authority to allocate the trust assets to other beneficiaries (typically the couple's children or other loved ones) upon their death. This power ensures that the beneficiary spouse maintains control over the distribution of assets and can make decisions based on their personal circumstances and preferences. 4. Marital Deduction: The MOST qualifies for the marital deduction under Indiana state law, which enables the trust or's estate to deduct the trust's value from their taxable estate, reducing potential estate taxes. This deduction provides tax advantages while still allowing the surviving spouse to benefit from the trust assets during their lifetime. In summary, an Indiana Marital-deduction Residuary Trust with a Single Trust or and Lifetime Income and Power of Appointment in Beneficiary Spouse serves as an effective estate planning tool for married individuals residing in Indiana. It offers the surviving spouse a lifetime income while ensuring control over the distribution of assets, all while minimizing potential estate taxes through the marital deduction.