Vermont Irrevocable Funded Life Insurance Trust (IIT) with Beneficiaries Having Crummy Right of Withdrawal and First-to-Die Policy with Survivorship Rider: Explained In the world of estate planning, the Vermont Irrevocable Funded Life Insurance Trust (IIT) with Beneficiaries Having Crummy Right of Withdrawal and First-to-Die Policy with Survivorship Rider can play a crucial role. This complex yet powerful estate planning tool offers unique benefits and can be customized to individuals' specific needs. Read on to understand the details and variations of the IIT structure in Vermont. What is an Irrevocable Funded Life Insurance Trust (IIT)? An Irrevocable Funded Life Insurance Trust (IIT) is a legal entity created to own a life insurance policy on the lives of one or more individuals. The primary purpose of this trust is to remove the life insurance policy proceeds from the insured's estate, thereby eliminating potential estate taxes. The Crummy Power: The Vermont IIT typically includes a provision known as the "Crummy power." This provision allows beneficiaries the right to withdraw gifts made to the trust within a specific time frame, usually 30 days. By employing this strategy, contributions made to the IIT qualify for the annual gift tax exclusion, which is currently $15,000 per individual (2021 limits). First-to-Die Policy with Survivorship Rider: The IIT typically utilizes a "first-to-die" life insurance policy, insuring the lives of multiple individuals (most commonly a married couple). This policy pays a death benefit upon the first insured's death, while a survivorship rider ensures the continuation of coverage on the remaining insured's life—often at a reduced premium rate. Variations of Vermont Slits with Crummy Right of Withdrawal and First-to-Die Policy with Survivorship Rider: 1. Spousal Access Trust (SAT): This type of Vermont IIT allows the surviving spouse to be both a beneficiary and a trustee, providing them with some control over the policy's cash value and premiums. While it offers greater flexibility, it may come with limitations on asset protection and estate tax reduction. 2. Dynasty Trust: A Dynasty Trust goes beyond the typical IIT, extending the benefits to multiple generations. It aims to preserve wealth and minimize estate taxes for an extended period while providing significant support to beneficiaries. This variation can offer enhanced wealth transfer planning for high-net-worth individuals. 3. Charitable IIT (CILIA): A CILIA combines the benefits of an IIT with charitable intentions. In this case, a portion or the entirety of the death benefit is directed towards a preferred charity. This structure can result in potential income tax deductions and estate tax reduction while supporting charitable causes. 4. IIT with Stock Option Swap: This type of IIT involves using stock options or other highly appreciated assets to fund the trust. By employing a stock option swap within the IIT, individuals can transfer assets into the trust while minimizing their taxable gain, allowing for potential estate tax reduction and asset protection. In conclusion, a Vermont Irrevocable Funded Life Insurance Trust (IIT) with Beneficiaries Having Crummy Right of Withdrawal and First-to-Die Policy with Survivorship Rider offers many variations to suit individuals' unique estate planning needs. Whether one seeks simplicity, control, charitable intent, or asset protection, consulting with a qualified estate planning attorney is crucial when considering these advanced strategies.