Mississippi Charitable Remainder Inter Vivos Annuity Trust (CAT) is a legal and tax-efficient estate planning tool that allows individuals to support charitable organizations while providing themselves with income for a specified period. This type of trust is specifically tailored to Mississippi state laws and regulations. The primary goal of a Mississippi CAT is to provide a reliable income stream to the donor or other designated beneficiaries, while also benefiting charities of the donor's choice. Unlike other charitable trusts, a CAT offers a fixed annuity payout to the donor. The donor transfers assets, such as cash, securities, real estate, or other valuable assets, to the trust, and the trust pays out a predetermined percentage of the initial fair market value annually. The key feature of a CAT is that the payout rate remains fixed throughout the trust's term, regardless of fluctuations in the trust's value. This provides stability and predictability for the donor, ensuring they receive a fixed income, regardless of market conditions. At the end of the specified term or upon the donor's death, the trust's remaining assets are then transferred to the chosen charitable organization(s). There are various types of Mississippi Charitable Remainder Inter Vivos Annuity Trusts available, each with unique characteristics and benefits: 1. Standard CAT: This is the most common type, where the donor receives a fixed annuity payment for life or a term of years, after which the charitable organization(s) receive the remaining assets. 2. Flip CAT: This type of trust starts as a standard CAT, but if a triggering event occurs (such as the sale of an asset or reaching a certain age), the trust converts into a Charitable Remainder Unit rust (CUT). This allows for potential growth of the trust's assets before the annuity payments begin. 3. Net Income CAT: In this type, the annuity payment is based on the trust's net income for the year. If the trust's income is not sufficient, the payments may be reduced or even eliminated for that year. However, any remaining income can be carried forward to future years. 4. SIMCHAT (Net Income with Makeup Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust): This is similar to the Net Income CAT, but it allows for payment makeup in later years if the trust's income in subsequent years is higher than the annuity payment. Mississippi Charitable Remainder Inter Vivos Annuity Trusts offer individuals the opportunity to support charitable causes while providing themselves with a stable income stream. It is essential to consult with a qualified attorney or financial advisor to determine the most suitable type of CAT based on individual circumstances and philanthropic goals.