Washington Complex Will — Maximum Unified Credit to Spouse is a legal document that allows individuals in Washington state to maximize the unified credit available to their spouse for estate tax purposes. This advanced estate planning technique is designed to help married individuals reduce or eliminate estate taxes upon their passing. The Maximum Unified Credit to Spouse provision in a Washington Complex Will refers to the utilization of the maximum allowable unified credit amount for estate tax purposes. The unified credit is an exemption amount that can be used to offset estate taxes owed upon an individual's death. As of 2021, the unified credit amount in Washington state is $2,193,000. There are different types of Washington Complex Will — Maximum Unified Credit to Spouse provisions that can be tailored to individual estate planning needs. Some of these variations include: 1. Marital A-B Trust: Also known as a bypass or credit shelter trust, this type of complex will allows the deceased spouse's assets up to the maximum unified credit amount to be placed in an irrevocable trust. The surviving spouse can access the income generated by the trust during their lifetime while still preserving the unified credit amount from estate taxes. 2. TIP Trust: A Qualified Terminable Interest Property (TIP) trust allows the decedent to provide income for their surviving spouse while preserving the unified credit amount. The surviving spouse is entitled to income generated by the trust, and upon their passing, the remaining assets in the trust are distributed according to the decedent's instructions. 3. Disclaimer Trust: This type of complex will includes a provision where the surviving spouse has the option to disclaim a portion of the deceased spouse's assets, up to the maximum unified credit amount. By disclaiming assets, the surviving spouse can ensure the unified credit is utilized to minimize estate taxes. 4. Lifetime Credit Shelter Trust: In this variation, the individual creates an irrevocable trust during their lifetime and begins transferring assets into the trust, up to the maximum unified credit amount. This allows them to reduce their taxable estate and maximize the unified credit available to their spouse upon their passing. Washington Complex Will — Maximum Unified Credit to Spouse documents are crucial for individuals who wish to devise a comprehensive estate plan while minimizing the estate tax impact. It is recommended to consult with an experienced estate planning attorney to understand these options fully and ensure they are implemented correctly based on individual circumstances.