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You are at: Planned Giving > Gift Options > How to Give > Unitrust and Special Needs Trust

Unitrust and Special Needs Trust

If you are looking for a way to provide for a loved one who has special needs, and also make a gift to charity, a charitable remainder unitrust and a special needs trust arrangement could help you achieve your objectives. The charitable remainder unitrust will make payments to the special needs trust, which in turn will provide support and care for your loved one. Eventually, the charitable remainder trust will go to choosen your charitable beneficiary.

Unitrust and Special Needs Trust
Stock or Cash
Unitrust
Special Needs Trust
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Benefits of a Unitrust and Special Needs Trust

  • Establish a way to provide for your loved one
  • Avoid capital gains if the unitrust is funded with appreciated assets
  • Receive an immediate charitable income tax deduction for the charitable portion of the unitrust
  • Leave a legacy gift to your local church or favorite ministry

How a Unitrust and Special Needs Trust Works

  1. You transfer cash or assets to fund a charitable remainder unitrust.
  2. The unitrust is invested and will make payments to the special needs trust for your loved one's lifetime or a term of up to 20 years.
  3. You receive an income tax deduction in the year you transfer your assets to the unitrust.
  4. Your charitable beneficiary benefits from what remains in the unitrust after all payments have been made.

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If you have any questions about how a charitable remainder unitrust and special needs trust work, please contact us. We would be happy to assist you and answer any questions you might have.

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If you are not in a position to make a gift to fund a charitable remainder unitrust during your lifetime, another option is to establish a testamentary unitrust that is funded through your estate. Your gift will provide support and care for your loved one with special needs after you are gone. The unitrust remainder will then benefit your charitable beneficiary.
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This site is informational and educational in nature. It is not offering professional tax, legal, or accounting advice. For specific advice about the effect of any planning concept on your tax or financial situation or with your estate, please consult a qualified professional advisor.