The Minnesota Charitable Remainder Inter Vivos Unit rust Agreement is a legal document that allows individuals to make charitable contributions while still retaining income from the donated assets during their lifetime. It is a popular estate planning tool for individuals who wish to support charitable organizations while ensuring financial security for themselves or their loved ones. The agreement is considered "inter vivos" because it is established during the donor's lifetime, not as part of a will or testamentary document. The unit rust structure means that the income generated by the donated assets is paid out to the beneficiary (donor or other designated individuals) as a fixed percentage of the trust's value, which is revalued annually, ensuring potential growth. After the donor's passing, the remaining assets in the trust are transferred to the chosen charity or charities. There are different types of Minnesota Charitable Remainder Inter Vivos Unit rust Agreements that individuals can choose from based on their specific goals and circumstances. Some common types include: 1. Charitable Remainder Unit rust (CUT): Under this type of agreement, the income paid out to the beneficiary is calculated as a fixed percentage of the trust's value, which is revalued annually. This allows the income to potentially increase over time if the trust's value grows. 2. Net Income Charitable Remainder Unit rust (NICEST): With this type of agreement, the beneficiary receives the least of a fixed percentage of the trust's value or the actual income generated by the trust. Any undistributed income is held by the trust and distributed in subsequent years if the trust's income exceeds the fixed percentage distribution. 3. Flip Unit rust: In this type of agreement, the trust initially pays the beneficiary a fixed percentage of the trust's value, just like a standard CUT. However, when a specified triggering event occurs (such as the sale of a property), the trust "flips" into a different payout structure. This can result in increased income for the beneficiary. 4. Standard Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust (CAT): While not a unit rust, it is worth mentioning that in addition to the unit rust agreements, individuals can also choose the CAT. This agreement pays out a fixed dollar amount annually to the beneficiary, rather than a percentage of the trust's value. While it lacks the potential for income growth, it provides a stable and predictable income stream. In summary, the Minnesota Charitable Remainder Inter Vivos Unit rust Agreement is a flexible estate planning tool that enables individuals to support charitable causes while still benefiting from the donated assets during their lifetime. By utilizing various types of unit rust agreements, individuals can tailor the structure to their specific preferences and needs.