Charitable Remainder Trusts

Goal: Secure payments for life while reducing market risks
Benefit: Potential increased income and tax benefits
Diagram

Fred and Susan truly appreciated the quality programming of public broadcasting. Their trust gift represents the single largest estate gift his station has received. This generous contribution will help ensure quality program offerings for years to come. The funds will be used to accommodate both their wishes.

Fred studied electrical and mechanical engineering at a Midwest university and was successful in the corporate world. He retired as President of a large machine works company.

"During a conversation with two of his longtime friends, we learned that he was particularly fond of our science and nature programs," said a representative of their local public television station. "His friends believed his work ethic and constant efforts for perfection were no doubt why he enjoyed science offerings. The wonderful times he and his wife spent at their summer home were reflected in his love of nature programming."

There are two different types of charitable remainder trusts.

A charitable remainder unitrust (see example) is a popular way to achieve tax benefits as well as a fixed annual percentage on the value of the assets in the trust. The assets are revalued annually and, if the trust value changes, the payment to the beneficiary(ies) changes.

A charitable remainder annuity trust is set up to pay a fixed rate of return based on the initial valuation at the time the property is placed in the trust. The trust assets are never revalued.

Some additional information on charitable remainder trusts is also available. Charitable Remainder Trusts provide a good degree of flexibility that is valuable in charitable gift planning. For example, a variation on remainder trusts can be an effective way to make gifts of real estate. A graphic example of a charitable remainder trust is available.

Susan and Fred are happy that they have made a difference; a difference that will have a profound impact on the lives of others.

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Important note, individual financial circumstances will vary. The information on this site does not constitute legal or tax advice. Donor stories and photographs are for purposes of illustration only. As with all tax and estate planning, please consult your attorney or estate specialist. All material is copyrighted and is for viewing purposes only. Use of this site signifies your agreement with the terms of use. The content in this Planned Giving section has been developed for WFSU by Future Focus. Please report any problems to section webmaster. Revised: July 21, 2016 22:12.