Simple English definitions for legal terms
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A complex trust is a type of trust that is not simple. It is called "complex" because the trustee has more control over how the trust's money is used. To be considered a complex trust, it must do at least one of three things each year: keep some of its income, give some of its money to the beneficiaries, or donate some of its assets to charity. Complex trusts can deduct certain expenses when calculating their taxable income. They can also be helpful for people with large estates or many beneficiaries who want more options for estate planning.
A complex trust is a type of trust that does not meet the requirements of a simple trust according to the IRS. The term "complex" refers to the trustee's discretion rather than the complexity of the trust's provisions. To be considered a complex trust, it must engage in at least one of the following activities each year:
For tax purposes, complex trusts can deduct certain expenses when calculating taxable income for the year. The amount of income the trust is required to distribute for the year is deducted. A complex trust may provide additional estate planning options for owners with large estates or many beneficiaries.
Let's say that a wealthy individual sets up a trust for their children and grandchildren. The trust is set up as a complex trust because it distributes a portion of its assets to charitable organizations each year. The trustee has discretion over how much income to distribute to the beneficiaries and how much to keep in the trust. The trust can deduct certain expenses when calculating taxable income for the year, such as the amount of income it is required to distribute to the beneficiaries. This allows the trust to minimize its tax liability and provide additional estate planning options for the owner.