Remainder Annuity Trust

Explination of the Remainder Annuity Trust

The Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust is an irrevocable gift providing the donor an income from the assets placed in trust for life. The gift is irrevocable; meaning the Foundation is guaranteed the future use of the principal. At the time of the donor's death any assets remaining in the trust will pass to the Missouri Southern Foundation. Donors must be certain they have no future need of these assets prior to creating an irrevocable trust. The trustee is charged with paying the donor a fixed annual income equal to, as a minimum, 5 percent of the initial value of the assets placed in the trust. If the return on the investment in a given year is insufficient to cover the fixed annual payout, assets are drawn from the principal to cover the annual payment. Conversely if the return for a year is greater than the fixed annual payment the excess is reinvested in the trust.

Advantages:

• The donor, or any beneficiary the donor designates, receives a guaranteed annual payment from the trust every year for life.
  
  
• Because it is an irrevocable gift, portions of assets placed in trust are treated as a charitable deduction. The exact amount of the deduction depends on the age of the donor, percentage of payment, and other factors.
  
  
• Assets in a trust bypass probate, and may help avoid estate taxes.
  
  
• Since the assets are not considered part of your estate, they pass directly to the Missouri Southern Foundation insuring your privacy by avoiding public scrutiny as part of the probate process.
  
  
• Your assets are not subject to probate costs.
  
  
• The Trustee takes responsibility for managing the investment relieving, the donor of this responsibility.

There are many examples of how a charitable remainder annuity trust can be used to meet the needs of a donor. In all cases, donors should consult their attorney, accountant, or estate planner when considering gift giving.