The Suffolk New York Granter Retained Annuity Trust, commonly known as GREAT, is a type of trust designed to transfer assets to future generations while minimizing estate tax implications for the granter. It is a powerful estate planning tool that allows individuals to pass on their wealth to beneficiaries in a tax-efficient manner. A Suffolk New York GREAT involves the granter transferring assets, such as real estate, stocks, or bonds, into a trust while retaining the right to receive annual annuity payments for a specified period. The annuity payments are based on a fixed percentage of the initial value of the assets contributed to the trust. At the end of the annuity term, the remaining trust assets pass on to the named beneficiaries, typically children or grandchildren. This type of trust is especially beneficial for individuals with substantial estates who wish to transfer wealth to their heirs while avoiding hefty estate taxes. By using a Suffolk New York GREAT, the granter can effectively freeze the asset's value for estate tax purposes at the time of the trust creation. There are different types of Suffolk New York Granter Retained Annuity Trusts, each offering unique advantages depending on an individual's financial goals and circumstances: 1. Standard GREAT: In a standard GREAT, the granter receives annual annuity payments for a predetermined term. This type of trust is most commonly used when the granter wants to minimize gift tax liability. 2. Rolling GREAT: A rolling GREAT allows the granter to establish multiple trusts successively over time, providing the opportunity for additional asset transfers and tax reduction strategies. 3. Zeroed-out GREAT: In a zeroed-out GREAT, the annuity payments are set at a level that effectively reduces the taxable gift value to zero. This approach minimizes the gift tax implications while still facilitating the transfer of assets to beneficiaries. 4. Charitable Remainder GREAT: This type of GREAT allows for simultaneous wealth transfer to non-charitable beneficiaries and charitable organizations. The granter designates both annuity payments for themselves and remainder interest for charitable causes. Overall, the Suffolk New York Granter Retained Annuity Trust is a valuable tool for estate planning, allowing individuals to transfer wealth while minimizing estate tax burdens. By consulting with an experienced estate planning attorney, individuals can determine which type of GREAT best aligns with their financial objectives and secure their assets for future generations.