A Montana Qualified Domestic Trust Agreement, commonly referred to as a DOT, is a legal arrangement that allows non-U.S. citizen surviving spouses to receive an inheritance from a U.S. citizen spouse without incurring excessive estate taxes. This type of trust is usually established when a non-citizen spouse is set to inherit assets worth more than the available estate tax exemption. In order to qualify as a DOT, the trust must meet specific Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requirements, which include being governed by a U.S. domestic law, having a U.S. trustee, and meeting various taxation criteria. Montana is one of the states that provide an ideal jurisdiction for establishing a DOT due to its unique tax laws. By utilizing a Montana DOT, families can take advantage of favorable state laws that could potentially reduce or eliminate state-level estate taxes. There are two main types of Montana Dots: 1. Standalone DOT: This type involves the creation of a separate trust solely for the non-citizen surviving spouse's benefit. The assets transferred into this trust are subject to the IRS's control and monitoring to ensure the fulfillment of tax requirements. A standalone DOT provides flexibility and control over the trust's management and allows for potential tax-planning strategies. 2. Testamentary DOT: A testamentary DOT is established within the will of the deceased U.S. citizen spouse. This type of Montana DOT comes into effect only upon the passing of the U.S. citizen spouse, and assets are transferred to the trust at that time. The testamentary DOT provides more certainty for the U.S. citizen's estate plan and ensures that the surviving non-citizen spouse receives the intended assets while maximizing tax benefits. By establishing a Montana DOT, couples can protect their estate from excessive taxes while ensuring that their non-citizen spouse receives the intended inheritance. Working with an experienced estate planning attorney is crucial to navigate the complexities of Dots and to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.