Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust: The Details

A charitable remainder annuity trust is a separately invested and managed charitable trust that pays you, and/or other beneficiaries, a fixed annuity for life or for a term of years (up to 20). You receive a charitable income tax deduction for a portion of the value of the assets you place in the trust. By law no additional gifts to the trust are permitted once the trust is initially funded. After the annuity trust terminates the balance or "remainder interest" goes to United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley to be used as you designate.

Planning Points

With an annuity trust you can:

• Receive stable, predictable income equal to no less than 5% of the original gift.
• Avoid all upfront capital gains tax on any appreciated assets you contribute to the annuity trust.
• Receive income that may be taxed favorably.
• Reduce your estate tax liability.