QTIP Trusts

A Qualified Terminable Interest Property (QTIP) Trust is a trust that enables the grantor to look after his or her current spouse and ensure that the assets from the trust are then passed on to beneficiaries of the grantor’s choice, such as children from a grantor’s previous marriage. In addition to providing the living spouse with a source of funds, a QTIP Trust also limits death and gift tax burdens on the surviving spouse. QTIP Trusts also prevent assets from transferring to a surviving spouse’s new spouse, should they choose to remarry.

2012 Estate Tax

On January 1, 2012, the federal estate tax exemption rate increased to $5.12 million for an individual ($10.24 million for a couple). That's up 2.4% from $5 million in 2011. This means that estates get an additional $120,000 that is exempt from the federal estate tax rate of 35%. Planning your estate to take advantage of emerging beneficial tax laws is imperative, especially for estates valued between $5 and $20 million.

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