North Carolina Irrevocable Trust, also known as a Qualifying Subchapter-S Trust (SST), is a legal entity established in accordance with North Carolina state laws and the Internal Revenue Code (IRC). This type of trust is designed to hold and manage assets for the benefit of beneficiaries while also qualifying for special tax treatment under Subchapter-S of the IRC. Unlike a standard irrevocable trust, which is taxed as a separate entity, an SST is a "pass-through" entity for tax purposes. This means that the trust's income, deductions, and credits are passed through to the trust beneficiaries, who then report them on their individual tax returns. By electing SST status, the trust can avoid the double taxation that commonly occurs with other types of trusts. The North Carolina Irrevocable Trust has various types, each serving specific purposes based on a trustee's intention: 1. Standard SST: This is the most common type of North Carolina Irrevocable Trust. It provides income and asset protection to beneficiaries while allowing them to qualify for favorable tax treatment. It requires a qualified trustee to ensure compliance with North Carolina state laws and IRS regulations. 2. Educational SST: This type of trust is specifically designed to use trust assets for the education and related expenses of the beneficiaries. The trust can be set up to provide funding for tuition, books, supplies, and other educational needs of beneficiaries. 3. Medical SST: A Medical SST allows for the management of trust assets to cover medical and healthcare expenses of beneficiaries. This type of trust can help cover medical bills, insurance premiums, and other healthcare-related costs. 4. Special Needs SST: Special Needs Costs are created to provide for the supplemental needs of beneficiaries with disabilities or special needs. The trust assets are used to enhance the quality of life for the beneficiary without jeopardizing eligibility for government benefits such as Medicaid or SSI. Setting up a North Carolina Irrevocable Trust as a Qualifying Subchapter-S Trust requires careful planning and adherence to legal and tax regulations. It is recommended to consult with an experienced estate planning attorney or tax professional who can provide guidance and assistance tailored to individual circumstances. Properly structured Costs can provide significant tax benefits and protection for both the trust assets and beneficiaries.