A Wisconsin Qualified Domestic Trust Agreement, also known as a DOT, is a legal arrangement designed to minimize estate tax liability for non-citizen spouses in Wisconsin. This trust allows a non-U.S. citizen surviving spouse to benefit from the assets of the deceased spouse without incurring immediate estate tax liabilities. Under U.S. estate tax laws, when a U.S. citizen who is married to a non-U.S. citizen passes away, the unlimited marital deduction does not apply to the non-citizen spouse. As a result, if the deceased spouse's assets exceed the federal estate tax exemption limit (which is set at $11.7 million in 2021), those assets may be subjected to estate taxes. However, by establishing a DOT as part of an estate plan, individuals can defer estate tax payments until distributions are made to the non-citizen spouse. A DOT must meet certain requirements to obtain the qualified status. Firstly, it must be created under Wisconsin law or by a Wisconsin resident. Secondly, at least one trustee of the DOT must be a U.S. citizen or a domestic corporation. Additionally, the trust must provide that any distributions made from the trust to the non-citizen spouse are subject to federal estate taxes. By deferring estate taxes until distributions are made from the trust, a DOT provides the non-U.S. citizen surviving spouse with access to income and principal from the trust while preserving the estate tax deferral benefits. This option ensures the financial security of the surviving spouse while still being compliant with the federal estate tax laws. It is essential to note that there are no specific types of Wisconsin Dots described in the legal terminology. However, the design and provisions of a DOT can vary based on the specific needs and circumstances of the individuals involved. Experienced estate planning attorneys in Wisconsin can assist in tailoring the DOT to meet the unique requirements of the couple and comply with relevant legal regulations. In conclusion, a Wisconsin Qualified Domestic Trust Agreement, or DOT, is a valuable tool for non-U.S. citizen spouses to mitigate estate tax liabilities when inheriting assets from their U.S. citizen spouse. Through deferring estate taxes until distributions are made, a DOT ensures the financial well-being of the non-citizen surviving spouse while adhering to federal estate tax laws. Seeking advice from legal professionals well-versed in estate planning and Dots is crucial to establish a suitable trust arrangement catered to one's individual circumstances.