A Minnesota Qualified Domestic Trust Agreement, also known as a DOT agreement, is a legal tool designed to ensure the financial security of a surviving non-U.S. citizen spouse after the death of a U.S. citizen spouse. It is especially applicable in situations where the non-citizen spouse might not be eligible for the unlimited marital deduction for estate tax purposes. In general, the main purpose of a DOT agreement is to defer the payment of estate taxes on the assets transferred to the trust until they are distributed or used by the non-citizen spouse. By establishing this type of trust, the surviving non-citizen spouse can receive income from the trust while still preserving the estate tax benefits for the U.S. citizen spouse's estate. There are a few key requirements that a trust must meet to qualify as a DOT agreement in Minnesota: 1. Appointment of a U.S. trustee: The DOT must designate at least one trustee who is either a U.S. citizen or a domestic corporation. 2. Estate tax deferral: The DOT must defer the estate tax on the assets passing to the trust until the death of the non-citizen spouse or another taxable event occurs. 3. Distribution limitations: The DOT must limit the distributions of principal from the trust to only the surviving spouse. 4. Estate tax lien: The trust should include a provision for the allocation of a qualified domestic trust estate tax lien to cover potential estate tax liabilities. Additionally, it is worth noting that there are different types of Dots available in Minnesota, depending on the circumstances and goals of the individual: 1. General DOT: This is the most common type of DOT agreement that defers estate taxes and restricts the distribution of principal solely to the surviving non-U.S. citizen spouse. 2. Testamentary DOT: This DOT is established upon the death of the U.S. citizen spouse through directions in their will or revocable trust. 3. Lifetime DOT: Unlike the testamentary DOT, this type of DOT is created during the lifetime of the U.S. citizen spouse and can be modified or revoked before their death. Overall, a Minnesota Qualified Domestic Trust Agreement serves as an effective estate planning tool for couples with mixed citizenship status, ensuring the proper protection and distribution of assets while minimizing estate tax burdens.