Missouri Irrevocable Trusts, specifically those that qualify as Subchapter-S Trusts, are legal entities created to protect and manage assets for the benefit of designated beneficiaries. These trusts are governed by specific provisions outlined in the Missouri Revised Statutes (Chapter 456). A Qualifying Subchapter-S Trust is a type of irrevocable trust that meets certain criteria set forth by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to qualify for S corporation shareholders. By electing such status, the trust can benefit from pass-through taxation, similar to that of a partnership or sole proprietorship, where income is not directly taxed at the trust level, but instead flows through to the individual beneficiaries. To qualify as a Missouri Subchapter-S Trust, the trust must meet the following criteria: 1. Eligible Trustee: The trustee of the trust must be an individual or an eligible entity, such as a bank or trust company. 2. Limited Number of S Corporation Shareholders: The trust must have one or more beneficiaries who are eligible individuals, estates, or certain tax-exempt organizations. Generally, the trust can have up to 100 shareholders. 3. Permitted Types of Shareholders: The trust cannot have partnerships, corporations, or non-resident alien shareholders as beneficiaries. 4. Single Class of Stock: The trust must have only one class of stock. 5. Resident Alien Status: The trust must be solely for the benefit of resident aliens or U.S. citizens. Missouri offers various types of Subchapter-S Trusts which can include: 1. Marital Trusts: Created to provide for a surviving spouse while also preserving assets for other beneficiaries. 2. Generation-Skipping Trusts: Designed to transfer wealth to future generations by "skipping" the immediate beneficiaries' generation, while minimizing estate and gift taxes. 3. Charitable Remainder Trusts: Allows for the donation of assets to a charitable organization, with beneficiaries receiving income from the trust during their lifetime. 4. Special Needs Trusts: Created to provide for individuals with disabilities while preserving their eligibility for government benefits. 5. Spendthrift Trusts: Offers protection from creditors by limiting a beneficiary's access to trust assets. 6. Life Insurance Trusts: Used to hold life insurance policies outside the estate, minimizing estate taxes and providing liquidity for beneficiaries. Missouri Irrevocable Trusts, classified as Qualifying Subchapter-S Trusts, provide numerous benefits that help with tax planning, asset protection, and estate planning strategies. Consulting with an experienced attorney is crucial to determine the most suitable trust type and comply with legal requirements, ensuring the financial security of beneficiaries while maximizing tax advantages.