types of trusts

Using Trusts for Charitable Giving

Estate planning is an essential part of ensuring that your assets are distributed according to your wishes after you pass away. In addition to providing for loved ones, many people also want to leave a lasting legacy by giving a portion of their assets to their favorite charities. Using a trust for charitable giving can be an effective way to achieve this goal while also minimizing taxes and preserving assets for future generations.

Types of Charitable Trusts in Alabama

There are two main types of charitable trusts in Alabama:

Charitable Remainder Trusts

A charitable remainder trust is one that provides a stream of income to the beneficiary for a specified period of time, after which the remaining assets are distributed to one or more charitable organizations. Charitable remainder trusts come in two common varieties: the charitable remainder annuity trust and the charitable remainder unitrust.

  • Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust: In a charitable remainder annuity trust, the beneficiary receives a fixed dollar amount each year for the duration of the trust. The amount is based on a percentage of the initial fair market value of the trust assets.
  • Charitable Remainder Unitrust: In a charitable remainder unitrust, the beneficiary receives a fixed percentage of the assets within the trust each year. The percentage is based on the current fair market value of these assets, which can fluctuate from year to year.

Charitable Lead Trusts

A charitable lead trust provides a stream of income to one or more charitable organizations for a specified period of time, after which the remaining assets are distributed to the beneficiaries of the trust. Charitable lead trusts also come in two varieties: the charitable lead annuity trust and the charitable lead unitrust.

  • Charitable Lead Annuity Trust: With this type of trust, the charitable organization receives a fixed dollar amount each year for the duration of the trust. The amount is based on a percentage of the initial fair market value of the trust assets.
  • Charitable Lead Unitrust: In a charitable lead unitrust, the charitable organization receives a fixed percentage of the trust assets each year. The percentage is based on the current fair market value of the trust assets, which again can fluctuate from one year to another.

Establishing a Charitable Trust in Alabama

Establishing a charitable trust requires careful planning and consideration of legal requirements. For this reason, it is important to consult with an experienced Alabama estate planning lawyer who can help you navigate the process and ensure that your charitable trust is properly established and managed.

Legal Requirements

In Alabama, charitable trusts are subject to the Alabama Uniform Trust Code, which provides specific legal requirements for establishing and managing these types of trusts. These requirements include, but are not limited to:

  • A clear statement of the charitable purpose of the trust.
  • A designation of one or more charitable beneficiaries.
  • Compliance with federal tax laws governing charitable organizations.
  • Compliance with state requirements for trust administration.

Advantages of Charitable Trusts in Alabama

Charitable trusts offer several advantages for those who want to support charitable causes in their estate plans while also receiving tax benefits. These include:

Tax Savings

One of the primary advantages of creating a charitable trust is the immediate tax benefits it provides. When assets are contributed to a charitable trust, the donor can usually claim a charitable deduction on their income tax return for the value of the donated assets. This can help reduce the donor’s taxable income and lower their overall tax liability.

Asset Protection

Assets placed in a charitable trust are typically protected from creditors and other potential legal claims, providing additional security for these assets. This means that, even in the event of a lawsuit or other legal action, the assets in the trust are generally protected from being seized or used to satisfy legal judgments.

Legacy Building

Charitable trusts can help individuals and businesses leave a lasting legacy by supporting causes that are important to them. By creating a charitable trust, donors can ensure that gifts to their favorite charities continue beyond their lifetime.

Control over Charitable Giving

Charitable trusts provide greater control over how donations are made and to whom. Donors can choose the specific organizations they want to support and can specify how their donations are to be used.

Contact Our Reputable Southern Alabama Estate Planning Attorneys

Establishing a charitable trust can be a powerful tool for supporting your favorite charities while also receiving tax benefits and asset protection. An experienced estate planning lawyer can help you understand whether this option is right for you.

For skilled guidance with estate planning in southern Alabama, contact Stone Crosby, P.C. for assistance. For over a century, we have been serving the legal needs of individuals and businesses in this area. To schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys, call our Daphne, AL office today at (251) 626-6696 or send us an online message.