Revocable trusts, irrevocable trusts, trust funds—what is a trust anyway? With a trust, you create a legal entity for your assets and appoint a trustee to manage it. (You can even appoint yourself.)

For estates over $11.40* million (or $22.80* million for a married couple), a trust can help reduce estate taxes. But you don’t have to be a millionaire to reap the benefits of a trust.

Whether you’re passing assets on to loved ones or reserving them for a specific purpose, a trust gives you privacy—because assets avoid probate, which is a matter of public record—and control.  

*2019 Life Gift and Estate Exclusion limit. See IRS Publication 559 for more information. 

Know the uses

People often use trusts to stipulate control of their assets should they become incapacitated or die before their minor children. They can distribute wealth in complicated situations, like to children from more than one marriage. You can also use a trust fund to:

An attorney or trust advisor can help you explore your options and possibilities.

Find your type

A living trust operates while you’re still alive, and a testamentary trust activates upon your death. Different variations of these two trust types can help you accomplish specific estate planning goals.

All investments are subject to market risk, including the possible loss of principal.

This material is provided for general and educational purposes only, and is not intended to provide legal, tax or investment advice. This material does not provide fiduciary recommendations concerning investments or investment management; it is not individualized to the needs of any specific benefit plan or retirement investor, nor is it directed to any recipient in connection with a specific investment or investment management decision.