Are Distributions From a Charitable Remainder Trust Taxable?

Posted Dec 11, 2021

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Charitable remainder trusts offer donors several benefits. The trust takes ownership of your assets, including properties, stocks, and savings. Your CRT donates the income your assets generate to beneficiaries of your choosing.

This allows you to continue making donations to charities you care about while benefiting from tax exemptions and deductions. CRTs are a great option if you have high valued assets and want to donate your resources to your favorite charities without paying excess taxes.


What is a Charitable Remainder Trust?

A charitable remainder trust (CRT) is a tax-exempt irrevocable trust that can generate an income stream for the donor and beneficiaries while donating funds to charities. Since it is an irrevocable trust, the terms of the trust can’t be changed or terminated without the permission of the beneficiaries. Once your trust is formed and funded, you can’t take your donation back.

The split-interest structure disperses income to beneficiaries for a specific amount of time and then donates its remaining assets to charities. You are permitted to name yourself or others as beneficiaries and receive an income stream from your trust for up to 20 years.

After this period, all remaining assets in your trust are donated to the selected charity beneficiaries. A CRT allows you to control which charities will become beneficiaries and when they will receive their donations.


How Do You Receive Distributions?

Distribution from your CRT is dependent on your type of trust.

 

●           Charitable remainder unitrusts

Distributions from a charitable remainder unitrust (CRUT) are a set percentage determined by the balance of your trust’s assets. They are revalued every year, and your distribution will shift with the value of your assets. You can make additional contributions with a CRUT.

 

●           Charitable remainder annuity trusts

Charitable remainder annuity trusts (CRATs) administer funds through a fixed annuity amount every year. According to IRS rules, the annual annuity amount must be at least 5% and no greater than 50%. You are not allowed to make any additional contributions.

 

Both types of CRTs must give a part of the trust’s income or principal each year to the donor or a beneficiary. At the conclusion of the CRT’s specified term, the remaining assets from the trust are given to its charitable beneficiaries.


Tax Implications of a Charitable Remainder Trust

The structure of a CRT allows you to save money on your taxes by reducing your taxable income. You’re eligible for a partial tax deduction depending on the amount of your assets that you donate to charity.

You’re also eligible for a partial tax deduction if you donate stocks, cash, or assets that are not traded publicly, like private stocks or real estate. Your tax deduction is determined by the type of trust, its terms, the anticipated income, and interest rates on your trust’s assets. To receive the tax deduction for your trust, you have to itemize your deductions, and you can’t take the standard deduction.

Any income derived from your trust, like annuity payments, will be subject to income taxes. Your estate can avoid paying estate taxes on your assets by transferring them into a charitable remainder trust.


This material is for general information and educational purposes only. Information is based on data gathered from what we believe are reliable sources. It is not guaranteed as to accuracy, does not purport to be complete and is not intended to be used as a primary basis for investment decisions. It should also not be construed as advice meeting the particular investment needs of any investor. Realized does not provide tax or legal advice. This material is not a substitute for seeking the advice of a qualified professional for your individual situation. A donor’s ability to claim itemized deductions is subject to a variety of limitations depending on the donor’s specific tax situation. Consult your tax advisor for more information.

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