Kansas Granter Retained Annuity Trust (GREAT) is an estate planning tool that allows individuals to transfer assets to designated beneficiaries while potentially minimizing their estate tax liability. It is important to note that Grants are a type of trust commonly used across many states, including Kansas. A Kansas Granter Retained Annuity Trust involves a granter who creates the trust, transfers assets into it, and retains the right to receive annuity payments for a specified period. The annuity payments are determined based on the initial value of the transferred assets, the length of the trust term, an interest rate known as the Section 7520 rate (which is published monthly by the IRS), and the desired annuity amount. One of the main advantages of a Kansas GREAT is the potential to remove the appreciation of assets from the granter's taxable estate. Any appreciation that exceeds the fixed annuity payments made to the granter will pass to the designated beneficiaries without incurring gift or estate taxes. By effectively "freezing" the value of the assets for estate tax purposes, individuals can reduce their potential tax burden. Additionally, Kansas offers some specific types of Grants that individuals might consider using: 1. "Zeroed-Out" GREAT: This is the most common type of GREAT, where the annuity payments are set at a level that causes the present value of the retained annuity interest to be nearly equal to the value of the assets initially transferred into the trust. This strategy is designed to minimize or eliminate any taxable gift at the time of the transfer. 2. Short-Term GREAT: This type of GREAT has a relatively short trust term, usually two to three years. It may be suitable for individuals who anticipate high appreciation of assets over a short period and want to efficiently transfer that appreciation to beneficiaries. It is important to consult with an experienced estate planning attorney and financial advisor to determine the most appropriate type of Kansas Granter Retained Annuity Trust for your specific circumstances and goals. They can help you navigate the legal requirements and ensure that your estate plan aligns with your objectives while maximizing potential tax benefits.