Utah Granter Retained Annuity Trust (GREAT) is a legal estate planning tool that allows individuals to transfer assets to a trust, retain an annuity payment for a specified term, and eventually pass the remaining trust assets to beneficiaries while minimizing gift and estate taxes. A Utah GREAT can be an effective strategy for high-net-worth individuals looking to transfer wealth to future generations while reducing potential taxes. The primary goal of a Utah GREAT is to leverage the gift tax exemption and potential appreciation of assets. By establishing a GREAT, the granter places assets into the trust and retains the right to receive annuity payments for a predetermined period. The annuity payments are typically a fixed percentage of the initial fair market value of the assets contributed to the trust. While there are no specific types of Utah Grants, there are variants and considerations to keep in mind when setting up a GREAT in Utah. Here are some key aspects to consider: 1. Short-term GREAT: This type of GREAT has a relatively short annuity period, typically around two to three years. It aims to transfer assets out of the granter's estate quickly while minimizing the risk of unfavorable market fluctuations. 2. Zeroed-Out GREAT: In a zeroed-out GREAT, the annuity payments are set in a way that the present value, as determined by the IRS, equals the value of the assets initially transferred. This results in no taxable gift, making it an ideal option for those seeking to remove assets from their estate without incurring gift taxes. 3. Installment GREAT: An installment GREAT allows a granter to transfer assets with different annuity payment rates during separate annuity periods. This strategy provides flexibility and potential tax planning benefits. 4. Grants with Gift-Capping Provisions: In some cases, granters may set a maximum annuity payment amount to cap the taxable gift exposure. This can be helpful when dealing with highly appreciated assets or uncertain market conditions. 5. Charitable GREAT: Granters may create a charitable GREAT, also known as a charitable lead annuity trust (FLAT), where a predetermined annuity payment is made to a charitable organization for a specified term. This allows for charitable giving while still transferring assets to non-charitable beneficiaries at the trust's end. When considering a Utah GREAT, it is crucial to consult with an experienced estate planning attorney and financial advisor. They can provide personalized guidance, taking into account individual circumstances, asset types, tax implications, and goals. Furthermore, staying up to date with any changes in Utah state laws or federal tax regulations is essential to ensure the effectiveness of the strategy.