Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT)

A charitable remainder trust provides income to the donor or other beneficiaries for life or a term, with the remainder passing to charity, offering an immediate income tax deduction and avoiding capital gains on contributed assets.

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Exam Tip

CRT = income to donor first, REMAINDER to charity. CRAT = fixed annuity. CRUT = variable unitrust. 10% minimum to charity. Avoids capital gains.

What is a Charitable Remainder Trust?

A CRT provides income to non-charitable beneficiaries first, with the remainder going to charity.

Two Types

TypeIncome Payment
CRATFixed annuity (min 5% of initial value)
CRUTUnitrust (min 5% of annual value)

Tax Benefits

BenefitDescription
Income Tax DeductionPresent value of charity's remainder
No Capital GainsOn appreciated assets contributed
Income StreamFor life or up to 20 years

Requirements

  • 10% minimum remainder to charity
  • Annuity/unitrust rate 5%-50%
  • Term: life or up to 20 years

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