A Kentucky Qualified Domestic Trust Agreement (KEPT) is an estate planning tool used to provide financial security for non-U.S. citizen spouses. It is designed to qualify for favorable tax treatment under U.S. tax laws, specifically the unlimited marital deduction, by allowing the non-U.S. citizen spouse to receive assets from the deceased spouse's estate without triggering hefty estate taxes. The KEPT is set up as an irrevocable trust, established and governed by the laws of Kentucky. The trust agreement outlines the terms and conditions under which assets are transferred into the trust and how they are managed and distributed to the non-U.S. citizen spouse. To qualify as a KEPT in Kentucky, certain requirements must be met. Firstly, at least one of the trust's trustees must be a U.S. citizen or a domestic corporation. Secondly, annual accounting and reporting must be maintained to prove compliance with the trust's conditions. Finally, the trust agreement must specify that any distributions made to the non-U.S. citizen spouse are subject to federal estate tax. A Kentucky KEPT is particularly useful when a non-U.S. citizen spouse expects to receive a significant inheritance, be a beneficiary of a substantial life insurance policy, or receive assets through a bequest. By placing these assets in the KEPT, the non-U.S. citizen spouse can enjoy the income generated from the trust while minimizing the potential estate tax burden upon the death of the U.S. citizen spouse. It is important to note that Kentucky does not have any specific variations or types of KEPT agreements beyond the general requirements mentioned earlier. However, variations in the terms, distribution schedules, and management provisions can be customized within the trust agreement to suit the unique circumstances and objectives of each couple. In conclusion, a Kentucky Qualified Domestic Trust Agreement (KEPT) is a legal tool that enables non-U.S. citizen spouses to receive assets from their deceased U.S. citizen spouse's estate while minimizing estate taxes. By ensuring compliance with the specified conditions and meeting reporting obligations, the KEPT provides financial security and peace of mind to non-U.S. citizen spouses.