A South Carolina Qualified Domestic Trust Agreement, also known as a DOT Agreement, is a legal instrument designed to provide tax benefits and financial protection for non-U.S. citizen surviving spouses inheriting property from their U.S. citizen spouses. This arrangement allows the non-U.S. citizen spouse to take advantage of the marital deduction provisions provided by the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) while ensuring that the assets placed in the trust remain subject to certain conditions. Under South Carolina law, a DOT Agreement helps to alleviate the potential estate tax burden that could be triggered upon the death of the U.S. citizen spouse. Without a DOT, the unlimited marital deduction typically available to U.S. citizen spouses would not apply to non-U.S. citizen spouses, resulting in substantial estate tax liabilities. By establishing a DOT Agreement, the non-U.S. citizen surviving spouse can receive income from the trust assets while deferring any estate tax obligations until distribution from the trust or their subsequent passing. This provides financial security for the surviving spouse while ensuring that the assets remain subject to U.S. estate tax regulations. It is important to note that South Carolina does not have any specific laws governing Qualified Domestic Trust Agreements. However, the state generally follows the provisions of the federal tax code regarding Dots. The DOT Agreement must comply with the federal requirements to receive the desired tax benefits. Though there are no distinct types of South Carolina Qualified Domestic Trust Agreements specific to the state, they can be tailored to fit the unique circumstances of each individual couple. The terms of the agreement and the assets placed within the trust can vary based on factors such as the size of the estate, the financial needs of the surviving spouse, and the objectives for the disposition of the assets. In summary, a South Carolina Qualified Domestic Trust Agreement is a valuable estate planning tool that allows non-U.S. citizen surviving spouses to receive financial protection and tax benefits when inheriting assets from their U.S. citizen spouses. While the state has no separate legal framework, complying with the federal rules ensures eligibility for the desired tax advantages.