Revenue Procedure 2005-53 |
August 22, 2005 |
Sample Inter Vivos Charitable Remainder Unitrust (CRUT)
for a Term of Years
This revenue procedure contains an annotated sample declaration of trust
and alternate provisions that meet the requirements of § 664(d)(2)
and (d)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code for an inter vivos charitable remainder
unitrust (CRUT) providing for unitrust payments for a term of years followed
by the distribution of trust assets to a charitable remainderman.
Previously, the Internal Revenue Service issued sample trust instruments
for certain types of CRUTs. The Service is updating the previously issued
samples and issuing new samples for additional types of CRUTs; annotations
and alternate sample provisions are included as further guidance. In addition
to the sample trust instrument included in this revenue procedure for an inter
vivos CRUT providing for unitrust payments for a term of years, samples are
provided in other separate revenue procedures for:
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an inter vivos CRUT providing for unitrust payments for one measuring
life (see Rev. Proc. 2005-52, superseding Rev. Proc. 89-20, 1989-1 C.B. 841,
and section 4 of Rev. Proc. 90-31, 1990-1 C.B. 539);
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an inter vivos CRUT providing for unitrust payments payable consecutively
for two measuring lives (see Rev. Proc. 2005-54, superseding section 4 of
Rev. Proc. 90-30, 1990-1 C.B. 534, and section 5 of Rev. Proc. 90-31;
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an inter vivos CRUT providing for unitrust payments payable concurrently
and consecutively for two measuring lives (see Rev. Proc. 2005-55, superseding
section 5 of Rev. Proc. 90-30 and section 6 of Rev. Proc. 90-31);
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a testamentary CRUT providing for unitrust payments for one measuring
life (see Rev. Proc. 2005-56, superseding section 6 of Rev. Proc. 90-30 and
section 7 of Rev. Proc. 90-31);
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a testamentary CRUT providing for unitrust payments for a term of years
(see Rev. Proc. 2005-57);
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a testamentary CRUT providing for unitrust payments payable consecutively
for two measuring lives (see Rev. Proc. 2005-58, superseding section 7 of
Rev. Proc. 90-30 and section 8 of Rev. Proc. 90-31); and
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a testamentary CRUT providing for unitrust payments payable concurrently
and consecutively for two measuring lives (see Rev. Proc. 2005-59, superseding
section 8 of Rev. Proc. 90-30 and section 9 of Rev. Proc. 90-31).
SECTION 3. SCOPE AND OBJECTIVE
Section 4 of this revenue procedure provides a sample declaration of
trust for an inter vivos CRUT providing for a term of years unitrust period
that is created by an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United
States. Section 5 of this revenue procedure provides annotations to the provisions
of the sample trust. Section 6 of this revenue procedure provides samples
of certain alternate provisions concerning: (.01) the payment of part of the
unitrust amount to an organization described in § 170(c); (.02)
the apportionment of the unitrust amount among members of a named class in
the discretion of the trustee; (.03) a qualified contingency; (.04) the restriction
of the charitable remainderman to a public charity; (.05) a retained right
to substitute the charitable remainderman; (.06) a power of appointment
to designate the charitable remainderman; (.07) the net income method of calculating
the unitrust amount; (.08) the net income with make-up method of calculating
the unitrust amount; and (.09) a combination of methods for calculating the
unitrust amount.
For transfers to a qualifying CRUT, as defined in § 664(d)(2)
and, if applicable, § 664(d)(3), the remainder interest will be
deductible by a citizen or resident of the United States under §§ 170(f)(2)(A),
2055(e)(2)(A), and 2522(c)(2)(A) for income, estate, and gift tax purposes,
respectively, if the other requirements of §§ 170(f)(2)(A),
2055(e)(2)(A), and 2522(c)(2)(A) (that is, the requirements not relating to
the provisions of the governing instrument) also are met. The Service will
recognize a trust as a qualified CRUT meeting all of the requirements of § 664(d)(2)
and, if applicable, § 664(d)(3), if the trust operates in a manner
consistent with the terms of the trust instrument, if the trust is a valid
trust under applicable local law, and if the trust instrument: (i) is substantially
similar to the sample in section 4 of this revenue procedure; or (ii) properly
integrates one or more alternate provisions from section 6 of this revenue
procedure into a document substantially similar to the sample in section 4
of this revenue procedure. A trust that contains substantive provisions in
addition to those provided in section 4 of this revenue procedure (other than
properly integrated alternate provisions from section 6 of this revenue procedure
or provisions necessary to establish a valid trust under applicable local
law that are not inconsistent with the applicable federal tax requirements),
or that omits any of the provisions of section 4 of this revenue procedure
(unless an alternate provision from section 6 of this revenue procedure is
properly integrated), will not necessarily be disqualified, but neither will
that trust be assured of qualification under the provisions of this revenue
procedure. The Service generally will not issue a letter ruling on whether
an inter vivos trust created by an individual and having a term of years unitrust
period qualifies as a CRUT. The Service, however, generally will issue letter
rulings on the effect of substantive trust provisions, other than those contained
in sections 4 and 6 of this revenue procedure, on the qualification of a trust
as a CRUT.
SECTION 4. SAMPLE INTER VIVOS CHARITABLE REMAINDER
UNITRUST — TERM OF YEARS
On this ______ day of _______, 20___, I, _________ (hereinafter “the
Donor”), desiring to establish a charitable remainder unitrust within
the meaning of Rev. Proc. 2005-53 and § 664(d)(2) of the Internal
Revenue Code (hereinafter “the Code”), hereby enter into this
trust agreement with __________ as the initial trustee (hereinafter “the
Trustee”). This trust shall be known as the __________ Charitable Remainder
Unitrust.
1. Funding of Trust. The Donor hereby transfers
and irrevocably assigns, on the above date, to the Trustee the property described
in Schedule A, and the Trustee accepts the property and agrees to hold, manage,
and distribute the property, and any property subsequently transferred, under
the terms set forth in this trust instrument.
2. Payment of Unitrust Amount. In each taxable
year of the trust during the unitrust period, the Trustee shall pay to [permissible
recipient] (hereinafter “the Recipient”) a unitrust
amount equal to [a number no less than 5 and no more than 50]
percent of the net fair market value of the assets of the trust valued as
of the first day of each taxable year of the trust (hereinafter “the
valuation date”). The unitrust period shall be a period of [a
number not more than 20] years. The first day of the unitrust period
shall be the date property is first transferred to the trust and the last
day of the unitrust period shall be the day preceding the [ordinal
number corresponding to the length of the unitrust period] anniversary
of that date. The unitrust amount shall be paid in equal quarterly installments
at the end of each calendar quarter from income and, to the extent income
is not sufficient, from principal. Any income of the trust for a taxable year
in excess of the unitrust amount shall be added to principal. If, for any
year, the net fair market value of the trust assets is incorrectly determined,
then within a reasonable period after the correct value is finally determined,
the Trustee shall pay to the Recipient (in the case of an undervaluation)
or receive from the Recipient (in the case of an overvaluation) an amount
equal to the difference between the unitrust amount(s) properly payable and
the unitrust amount(s) actually paid.
3. Proration of Unitrust Amount. For a short taxable
year and for the taxable year during which the unitrust period ends, the Trustee
shall prorate on a daily basis the unitrust amount described in paragraph
2, or, if an additional contribution is made to the trust, the unitrust amount
described in paragraph 5.
4. Distribution to Charity. At the termination
of the unitrust period, the Trustee shall distribute all of the then principal
and income of the trust (other than any amount due the Recipient under the
terms of this trust) to [designated remainderman] (hereinafter
“the Charitable Organization”). If the Charitable Organization
is not an organization described in §§ 170(c), 2055(a), and
2522(a) of the Code at the time when any principal or income of the trust
is to be distributed to it, then the Trustee shall distribute the then principal
and income to one or more organizations described in §§ 170(c),
2055(a), and 2522(a) of the Code as the Trustee shall select, and in the proportions
as the Trustee shall decide, in the Trustee’s sole discretion.
5. Additional Contributions. If any additional
contributions are made to the trust after the initial contribution, the unitrust
amount for the year in which any additional contribution is made shall be
[same percentage used in paragraph 2] percent of the
sum of (a) the net fair market value of the trust assets as of the valuation
date (excluding the assets so added and any post-contribution income from,
and appreciation on, such assets during that year) and (b) for each additional
contribution during the year, the fair market value of the assets so added
as of the valuation date (including any post-contribution income from, and
appreciation on, such assets through the valuation date) multiplied by a fraction
the numerator of which is the number of days in the period that begins with
the date of contribution and ends with the earlier of the last day of the
taxable year or the last day of the unitrust period and the denominator of
which is the number of days in the period that begins with the first day of
such taxable year and ends with the earlier of the last day in such taxable
year or the last day of the unitrust period. In a taxable year in which an
additional contribution is made on or after the valuation date, the assets
so added shall be valued as of the date of contribution, without regard to
any post-contribution income or appreciation, rather than as of the valuation
date.
6. Deferral of the Unitrust Payment Allocable to Testamentary
Transfer. All property passing to the trust by reason of the death
of the Donor (hereinafter “the testamentary transfer”) shall be
considered to be a single contribution that is made on the date of the Donor’s
death. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs 2 and 5 above, the obligation
to pay the unitrust amount with respect to the testamentary transfer shall
commence with the date of the Donor’s death. Nevertheless, payment of
the unitrust amount with respect to the testamentary transfer may be deferred
from the date of the Donor’s death until the end of the taxable year
in which the funding of the testamentary transfer is completed. Within a reasonable
time after the end of the taxable year in which the testamentary transfer
is completed, the Trustee must pay to the Recipient (in the case of an underpayment)
or receive from the Recipient (in the case of an overpayment) the difference
between any unitrust amounts allocable to the testamentary transfer that were
actually paid, plus interest, and the unitrust amounts allocable to the testamentary
transfer that were payable, plus interest. The interest shall be computed
for any period at the rate of interest, compounded annually, that the federal
income tax regulations under § 664 of the Code prescribe for this
computation.
7. Unmarketable Assets. Whenever the value of a
trust asset must be determined, the Trustee shall determine the value of any
assets that are not cash, cash equivalents, or other assets that can be readily
sold or exchanged for cash or cash equivalents (hereinafter “unmarketable
assets”), by either (a) obtaining a current “qualified appraisal”
from a “qualified appraiser,” as defined in § 1.170A-13(c)(3)
and § 1.170A-13(c)(5) of the Income Tax Regulations, respectively,
or (b) ensuring the valuation of these unmarketable assets is performed exclusively
by an “independent trustee,” within the meaning of § 1.664-1(a)(7)(iii)
of the Income Tax Regulations.
8. Prohibited Transactions. The Trustee shall not
engage in any act of self-dealing within the meaning of § 4941(d)
of the Code, as modified by § 4947(a)(2)(A) of the Code, and shall
not make any taxable expenditures within the meaning of § 4945(d)
of the Code, as modified by § 4947(a)(2)(A) of the Code.
9. Taxable Year. The taxable year of the trust
shall be the calendar year.
10. Governing Law. The operation of the trust shall
be governed by the laws of the State of _______. However, the Trustee is prohibited
from exercising any power or discretion granted under said laws that would
be inconsistent with the qualification of the trust as a charitable remainder
unitrust under § 664(d)(2) of the Code and the corresponding regulations.
11. Limited Power of Amendment. This trust is irrevocable.
However, the Trustee shall have the power, acting alone, to amend the trust
from time to time in any manner required for the sole purpose of ensuring
that the trust qualifies and continues to qualify as a charitable remainder
unitrust within the meaning of § 664(d)(2) of the Code.
12. Investment of Trust Assets. Nothing in this
trust instrument shall be construed to restrict the Trustee from investing
the trust assets in a manner that could result in the annual realization of
a reasonable amount of income or gain from the sale or disposition of trust
assets.
13. Definition of Recipient. References to the
Recipient in this trust instrument shall be deemed to include the estate of
the Recipient with regard to all provisions in this trust instrument that
describe amounts payable to and/or due from the Recipient. The prior sentence
shall not apply to the determination of the last day of the unitrust period.
SECTION 5. ANNOTATIONS REGARDING SAMPLE INTER
VIVOS CHARITABLE REMAINDER UNITRUST — TERM OF YEARS
.01 Annotations for Introductory Paragraph and Paragraph
1, Funding of Trust, of the Sample Trust.
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Factors concerning qualification of trust. A deduction
must be allowable under § 170, § 2055, or § 2522
for property contributed to the trust. Section 1.664-1(a)(1)(iii)(a)
of the Income Tax Regulations. The trust must meet the definition of, and
function exclusively as, a charitable remainder trust from the creation of
the trust. Section 1.664-1(a)(4). Solely for purposes of § 664,
a trust is deemed created at the earliest time that neither the grantor nor
any other person is treated as the owner of the entire trust under subpart
E, part 1, subchapter J, chapter 1, subtitle A of the Code (subpart E), but
in no event prior to the time property is first transferred to the trust.
Neither the donor nor the donor’s spouse shall be treated as the owner
of the trust under subpart E merely because he or she is named as a recipient
of the unitrust amount. Section 1.664-1(a)(4). In addition, funding the trust
with certain types of assets may disqualify a charitable remainder trust.
See § 1.664-1(a)(7) and Rev. Rul. 73-610, 1973-2 C.B. 213.
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Valuation of unmarketable assets.
If the trust is funded with unmarketable assets, the net fair market
value of the assets must be determined exclusively by an independent
trustee, as defined in § 1.664-1(a)(7)(iii), or must be determined
by a current “qualified appraisal” from a “qualified appraiser,” as
defined in § 1.170A-13(c)(3) and (c)(5), respectively. Section
1.664-1(a)(7). See section 5.07 of this revenue procedure for further
guidance related to the valuation of unmarketable assets.
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Income tax deductibility limitations. The amount
of the charitable deduction for income tax purposes is affected by a number
of factors, including the type of property contributed to the trust, the type
of charity receiving the property, whether the remainder interest is paid
outright to charity or held in further trust, and the donor’s adjusted
gross income (with certain adjustments). See § 170(b) and (e); § 1.170A-8;
Rev. Rul. 80-38, 1980-1 C.B. 56; and Rev. Rul. 79-368, 1979-2 C.B. 109. See
section 6.04 of this revenue procedure for an alternate provision that restricts
the charitable remainderman to a public charity (as defined therein).
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Trustee provisions. Alternate or successor trustees
may be designated in the trust instrument. In addition, the trust instrument
may contain other administrative provisions relating to the trustee’s
duties and powers, as long as the provisions do not conflict with the rules
governing charitable remainder trusts under § 664 and the regulations
thereunder. Note that certain powers given to certain persons serving as trustee
may cause the trustee to be treated as the owner of the trust under subpart
E and thus disqualify the trust as a charitable remainder trust. See § 1.664-1(a)(4).
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Identity of donor. For purposes of qualification
under this revenue procedure, the donor may be an individual or a husband
and wife. Appropriate adjustments should be made to the introductory paragraph
if a husband and wife are the donors. Terms such as “grantor”
or “settlor” may be substituted for “donor.”
.02 Annotations for Paragraph 2, Payment of Unitrust Amount,
of the Sample Trust.
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Permissible term. The period for which the unitrust
amount is payable must not exceed 20 years. Section 1.664-3(a)(5). Thus, for
example, the unitrust period of a CRUT for a term of 20 years will end on
the day preceding the twentieth anniversary of the date the trust was created.
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Permissible recipients. For a CRUT having a term
of years unitrust period, the unitrust amount must generally be paid to a
named person or persons (within the meaning of § 7701(a)(1)). If
the unitrust amount is to be paid to an individual or individuals, all the
individuals must be living at the time of the creation of the trust. The unitrust
amount may be payable to the estate or heirs of a named recipient who dies
prior to the expiration of the term of years. See Rev. Rul. 74-39, 1974-1
C.B. 156. The unitrust amount may be payable to members of a named class and,
because the unitrust period is for a term of years, all of the members of
the class need not be living or ascertainable at the creation of the trust.
An organization described in § 170(c) may receive part, but not
all, of the unitrust amount. Section 664(d)(2)(A) and § 1.664-3(a)(3)(i).
See section 6.01 of this revenue procedure for an alternate provision that
provides for payment of part of the unitrust amount to an organization described
in § 170(c).
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Multiple noncharitable recipients. Generally,
if the unitrust amount is payable to more than one person, the trust instrument
should describe the interest of each person. See section 6.02 of this revenue
procedure for an alternate provision providing for the apportionment of the
unitrust amount among members of a named class in the discretion of the trustee.
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Fixed percentage method. Paragraph 2, Payment
of Unitrust Amount, of the sample trust calculates the unitrust amount under
the fixed percentage method by using a fixed percentage of the net fair market
value of the trust assets valued annually. See section 6.07 of this revenue
procedure for an alternate provision that uses the net income method for calculating
the unitrust amount. See section 6.08 of this revenue procedure for an alternate
provision that uses the net income with make-up method for calculating the
unitrust amount. See section 6.09 of this revenue procedure for an alternate
provision that uses a combination of methods for calculating the unitrust
amount as described in § 1.664-3(a)(1)(i)(c).
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Percentage requirements. The fixed percentage
unitrust amount must be at least 5 percent and not more than 50 percent of
the annual net fair market value of the assets in the trust. Section 664(d)(2)(A).
In addition, with respect to each contribution of property to the trust, the
value of the charitable remainder interest (determined under § 7520)
is required to be at least 10 percent of the net fair market value of the
contributed property as of the date of its contribution to the trust. Section
664(d)(2)(D).
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Payment of unitrust amount in installments. Paragraph
2, Payment of Unitrust Amount, of the sample trust specifies that the unitrust
amount is to be paid in equal quarterly installments at the end of each quarter.
However, the trust instrument may specify that the unitrust amount is to be
paid to the recipient annually or in equal or unequal installments throughout
the year. See § 1.664-3(a)(1)(i). The amount of the charitable deduction
will be affected by the frequency of payment, by whether the installments
are equal or unequal, and by whether each installment is payable at the beginning
or end of the period. See § 1.664-3(c) and § 1.664-4.
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Rules applicable to valuation. Paragraph 2, Payment
of Unitrust Amount, of the sample trust specifies that the net fair market
value of trust assets is to be valued as of the first day of each taxable
year of the trust. However, the value of the trust assets may be determined
on any one date during the taxable year of the trust, or by taking the average
of valuations made on more than one date during the taxable year of the trust,
so long as the same valuation date or dates and the same valuation methods
are used each year. If the governing instrument does not specify the valuation
date or dates, the trustee must select the date or dates and indicate the
selection on the first Form 5227, “Split-Interest Trust Information
Return,” that the trust must file. Section 1.664-3(a)(1)(iv).
Note that if the valuation date is a date other than the first day of each
taxable year of the trust, it may be necessary to modify the provisions in
the sample trust regarding: (i) the timing of the payment of the unitrust
amount; (ii) the proration of the unitrust amount in a short taxable year
and the last taxable year of the unitrust period; and (iii) additional contributions.
See § 1.664-3(a)(1)(v) and § 1.664-3(b). See section 5.05(4)
for further guidance related to the valuation date and additional contributions.
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Payment of unitrust amount by close of taxable year.
Generally, the unitrust amount for any taxable year, if computed under the
fixed percentage method, must be paid before the close of the taxable year
for which it is due. For circumstances under which the unitrust amount computed
under the fixed percentage method may be paid within a reasonable time after
the close of the taxable year, see § 1.664-3(a)(1)(i)(g)
and (k). See section 5.06(2) of this revenue procedure
for additional information regarding the deferral of the unitrust payment
allocable to a testamentary transfer.
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Incorrect valuations. Nothing in § 664
or the regulations thereunder requires that interest be paid on the amount
of any underpayment or overpayment of the unitrust amount resulting from the
incorrect valuation of trust assets. Section 1.664-3(a)(1)(iii). Notwithstanding
the foregoing, state law may require the payment of interest on the amount
of any such underpayment or overpayment of the unitrust amount.
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Early distributions to charity. The trust instrument
may provide that an amount other than the unitrust amount shall be paid (or
may be paid in the discretion of the trustee) to an organization described
in § 170(c). If such a distribution is made in kind, the adjusted
basis of the property distributed must be fairly representative of the adjusted
basis of the property available for distribution on the date of distribution.
Section 1.664-3(a)(4).
.03 Annotation for Paragraph 3, Proration of Unitrust Amount,
of the Sample Trust.
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Prorating unitrust amount. To compute the unitrust
amount in a short taxable year and in the taxable year in which the unitrust
period terminates, see § 1.664-3(a)(1)(v)(a)
and (b), respectively.
.04 Annotations for Paragraph 4, Distribution to Charity,
of the Sample Trust.
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Minimum value of remainder. As noted in section
5.02(5) of this revenue procedure, with respect to each contribution of property
to the trust, the value of the charitable remainder interest (determined under
§ 7520) is required to be at least 10 percent of the net fair market
value of the property contributed to the trust as of the date of its contribution
to the trust. Section 664(d)(2)(D).
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Distribution to remainderman. The trustee of a
charitable remainder trust has a reasonable time after the termination of
the unitrust period to complete the settlement of the trust, including making
the required distributions. See § 1.664-3(a)(6)(ii).
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Designated remainderman. Any named charitable
remainderman must be an organization described in § 170(c) at the
time of the transfer to the CRUT. See § 664(d)(2)(C). Any named
charitable remainderman must also be an organization described in § 2522(a)
to qualify for the gift tax charitable deduction and an organization described
in § 2055(a) to qualify for the estate tax charitable deduction.
See Rev. Rul. 77-385, 1977-2 C.B. 331. If it is determined that a deduction
under § 2055(a) will not be necessary in any event, all references
to § 2055(a) in the trust instrument may be deleted. The trust instrument
may restrict the charitable remainderman to an organization described in §§ 170(c),
2055(a), and 2522(a), but grant to a trustee or other person the power to
designate the actual charitable remainderman. The gift of the remainder interest
will be incomplete for gift tax purposes if, for example: (i) the donor retains
the power to substitute the charitable remainderman; or (ii) the trust instrument
provides the trustee with the power to designate the charitable remainderman
and the donor is not prohibited from serving as trustee. See § 25.2511-2(c).
Note, however, that an income tax charitable deduction is available even if
the donor has the authority to substitute the charitable remainderman or the
trustee has the authority to designate the charitable remainderman. Rev. Rul.
68-417, 1968-2 C.B. 103; Rev. Rul. 79-368, 1979-2 C.B. 109. See section 6.05
of this revenue procedure for an alternate provision in which the donor retains
the right to substitute the charitable remainderman. See section 6.06 of this
revenue procedure for an alternate provision in which the recipient is granted
a power of appointment to designate the charitable remainderman.
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Multiple remaindermen. The remainder interest
may pass to more than one charitable organization as long as each organization
is described in §§ 170(c) and 2522(a), and, if needed, § 2055(a).
Section 1.664-3(a)(6)(i).
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Alternative remaindermen. The trust instrument
of a CRUT must provide a means for selecting alternative charitable remaindermen
in the event any designated organization is not qualified at the time any
payments are to be made to it from the trust. Section 1.664-3(a)(6)(iv). This
requirement is satisfied in the sample trust by conferring the power upon
the trustee to designate an alternative charitable remainderman. Note that
the donor may designate one or more alternative charitable remaindermen in
the trust instrument; however, the trust instrument must continue to provide
a means for selecting an alternative charitable remainderman if any designated
organization is not qualified at the time payments are to be made to it from
the trust.
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Continuing trust for charity. Upon the expiration
of the unitrust period, the trust may continue in existence for charity. See
§ 1.664-3(a)(6)(ii). See section 5.08(3) of this revenue procedure
for certain governing instrument requirements that apply when the trust continues
in existence for charity.
.05 Annotations for Paragraph 5, Additional Contributions,
of the Sample Trust.
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Identity of additional contributors. For purposes
of qualification under this revenue procedure, only a donor or a donor’s
estate may make an additional contribution to the trust. See section 5.01(5)
of this revenue procedure for examples of who may be a donor of a CRUT for
purposes of qualification under this revenue procedure.
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Proration of additional contributions. Paragraph
5, Additional Contributions, of the sample trust provides a formula for determining
the unitrust amount in each year that an additional contribution is made to
the CRUT. If an additional contribution is made in a short taxable year or
in the taxable year during which the unitrust period ends, the unitrust amount
computed under paragraph 5 of the sample trust must be prorated pursuant to
paragraph 3, Proration of Unitrust Amount, of the sample trust.
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Severance of certain additional contributions.
If an additional contribution is made to an existing CRUT and the contribution
does not satisfy the 10 percent test described in § 664(d)(2)(D),
the contribution shall be treated as a transfer to a separate trust. Section
664(d)(4).
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Valuation date in year of additional contribution.
Paragraph 2, Payment of Unitrust Amount, of the sample trust specifies a January
1 valuation date for the trust. The formula contained in paragraph 5, Additional
Contributions, of the sample trust may be used when January 1 or any other
single date during the taxable year is selected as the valuation date for
a CRUT. Note, however, that if a single date other than January 1 is selected
as the valuation date for a CRUT, the formulas in both paragraphs 2 and 5
of the sample trust for computing the unitrust amount will be deficient unless
the trust instrument addresses the possibility that the unitrust period may
end before the valuation date, for instance, by providing that in a year in
which the unitrust period ends before the valuation date, “the valuation
date” for purposes of paragraph 2 and paragraph 5 shall be the last
day of the unitrust period. In addition, if the trust instrument is drafted
to provide for the valuation of trust assets by averaging the valuations as
of multiple specified dates during the trust year, the additional contributions
formula will require modification.
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Option to prohibit additional contributions. Paragraph
5, Additional Contributions, of the sample trust provides rules for determining
the unitrust amount payable in a year during which an additional contribution
is made to the trust. However, paragraph 5 of the trust instrument may instead
prohibit contributions to the trust after the initial contribution. Section
1.664-3(b). In such an instance, all references to the unitrust amount computed
under paragraph 5 must be removed from the sample trust and paragraph 6, Deferral
of the Unitrust Payment Allocable to Testamentary Transfer, of the sample
trust should be deleted.
.06 Annotations for Paragraph 6, Deferral of the Unitrust
Payment Allocable to Testamentary Transfer, of the Sample Trust.
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Contribution at death of donor. All property passing
to a charitable remainder unitrust by reason of the death of the donor shall
be considered to constitute a single contribution. Section 1.664-3(b).
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Testamentary additions. If the donor is not the
recipient and the donor makes an additional contribution at death whereby
the obligation to pay the unitrust amount with respect to any property passing
to the trust by reason of the donor’s death begins as of the date of
the donor’s death, the requirement to pay the portion of the unitrust
amount allocable to that contribution may be deferred pursuant to the provisions
of § 1.664-1(a)(5)(i). The deferral provision in paragraph 6 of
the sample trust uses the method for computing deferred payments that is provided
in § 1.664-1(a)(5)(i). Note that § 1.664-1(a)(5)(ii) provides
an alternate method for determining the amount described in § 1.664-1(a)(5)(i)(b), i.e.,
the unitrust amounts payable plus interest on those amounts. Rev. Rul. 92-57,
1992-2 C.B. 123, provides sample language to be included in the governing
instrument if the alternate method set forth in § 1.664-1(a)(5)(ii)
for determining the amount described in § 1.664-1(a)(5)(i)(b)
is selected.
.07 Annotations for Paragraph 7, Unmarketable Assets, of
the Sample Trust.
-
Multiple trustees. Any co-trustee who is an independent
trustee, within the meaning of § 1.664-1(a)(7)(iii), may value the
trust’s unmarketable assets.
-
Valuation using qualified appraisal or independent trustee.
The trustee may alternately use an independent trustee or a qualified appraisal
by a qualified appraiser to value unmarketable assets. For instance, an unmarketable
asset that is valued in one year by an independent trustee may be valued in
a successive year by a qualified appraiser in a qualified appraisal. In addition,
within a single year, some unmarketable assets may be valued by a qualified
appraiser while others are valued by an independent trustee.
-
Appointment of independent trustee. The governing
instrument may authorize the trustee of the trust to appoint from time to
time an independent trustee, within the meaning of § 1.664-1(a)(7)(iii),
to perform the valuation of unmarketable assets.
.08 Annotations for Paragraph 8, Prohibited Transactions,
of the Sample Trust.
-
Payment of the unitrust amount. Payment of the
unitrust amount to the recipient is not considered an act of self-dealing
within the meaning of § 4941(d), as modified by § 4947(a)(2)(A),
or a taxable expenditure within the meaning of § 4945(d), as modified
by § 4947(a)(A). Section 53.4947-1(c)(2) of the Foundation and Similar
Excise Taxes Regulations.
-
Prohibitions against certain investments and excess business
holdings. Prohibitions against investments that jeopardize the
exempt purpose of the trust within the meaning of § 4944, as modified
by § 4947(a)(2)(A), and against retaining any excess business holdings
within the meaning of § 4943, as modified by § 4947(a)(2)(A),
are required if the trust provides for payment of any part of a unitrust amount
to an organization described in § 170(c) and gift and/or estate
tax charitable deductions are sought for the organization’s interest
in the unitrust amount. See § 4947(b)(3). See section 6.01 of this
revenue procedure for an alternate provision that provides for payment of
part of the unitrust amount to an organization described in § 170(c).
-
Trust to continue in existence for benefit of charity.
The governing instrument requirements of § 508(e) must be included
in the trust instrument if, after the termination of the unitrust period:
(i) the trust instrument provides that the trust shall continue in existence
for the benefit of the charitable remainderman and, as a result, the trust
will become subject to the provisions of § 4947(a)(1); and (ii)
the trust will be treated as a private foundation within the meaning of § 509(a),
as modified by § 4947(a)(1). Except as provided in paragraph 8 of
the sample trust, the trust instrument may limit the application of the provisions
of § 508(e) to the period after the termination of the unitrust
period when the trust continues in existence for the benefit of the charitable
remainderman. Note that when the trust provides for the trust corpus to be
retained, in whole or in part, in trust for the charitable remainderman, the
higher deductibility limitations in § 170(b)(1)(A) for the income
tax charitable deduction will not be available (even if the charitable remainderman
is restricted to a public charity) because the contribution of the trust corpus
is made “for the use of” rather than “to” the charitable
remainderman. See § 1.170A-8(a) and (b).
SECTION 6. ALTERNATE PROVISIONS FOR SAMPLE INTER
VIVOS CHARITABLE REMAINDER UNITRUST — TERM OF YEARS
.01 Payment of Part of the Unitrust Amount to an Organization
Described in § 170(c).
-
Explanation. An organization described in § 170(c)
may receive part, but not all, of any unitrust amount. Section 664(d)(2)(A).
If a gift tax charitable deduction and, if needed, an estate tax charitable
deduction are sought for the present value of the unitrust interest passing
to a charitable organization, the trust instrument must contain additional
provisions. First, the trust instrument must specify the portion of each unitrust
payment that is payable to the noncharitable recipient and to the charitable
organization described in §§ 170(c), 2522(a), and, if needed,
§ 2055(a). Second, the trust instrument must contain a means for
selecting an alternative qualified charitable organization if the designated
organization is not a qualified organization at the time when any unitrust
amount is to be paid to it. Third, the trust instrument must contain prohibitions
against investments that jeopardize the exempt purpose of the trust within
the meaning of § 4944, as modified by § 4947(a)(2)(A),
and against retaining any excess business holdings within the meaning of § 4943,
as modified by § 4947(a)(2)(A).
-
Instructions for use.
-
Replace paragraph 2, Payment of Unitrust Amount, of the sample trust
with the following paragraph:
Payment of Unitrust Amount. The unitrust amount
is equal to [a number no less than 5 and no more than 50]
percent of the net fair market value of the assets of the trust valued as
of the first day of each taxable year of the trust (hereinafter “the
valuation date”). In each taxable year of the trust during the unitrust
period, the Trustee shall pay [the percentage of the unitrust amount
payable to the noncharitable recipient] percent of the unitrust
amount to [permissible recipient] (hereinafter “the
Recipient”) and [the percentage of the unitrust amount payable
to the charitable recipient] percent of the unitrust amount to
[an organization described in §§ 170(c), 2055(a),
and 2522(a) of the Code] (hereinafter “the Charitable Recipient”).
The unitrust period shall be a period of [a number not more than
20] years. The first day of the unitrust period shall be the date
property is first transferred to the trust and the last day of the unitrust
period shall be the day preceding the [ordinal number corresponding
to the length of the unitrust period]
anniversary of that date. If the Charitable Recipient is not an
organization described in §§ 170(c), 2055(a), and 2522(a) of the
Code at the time when any unitrust payment is to be distributed to it,
then the Trustee shall distribute that unitrust payment to one or more
organizations described in §§ 170(c), 2055(a), and 2522(a) of the
Code as the Trustee shall select, and in the proportions as the Trustee
shall decide, in the Trustee’s sole discretion. The unitrust amount
shall be paid in equal quarterly installments at the end of each
calendar quarter from income and, to the extent income is not
sufficient, from principal. Any income of the trust for a taxable year
in excess of the unitrust amount shall be added to principal. If, for
any year, the net fair market value of the trust assets is incorrectly
determined, then within a reasonable period after the correct value is
finally determined, the Trustee shall pay to the Recipient and the
Charitable Recipient (in the case of an undervaluation) or receive from
the Recipient and the Charitable Recipient (in the case of an
overvaluation) an amount equal to the difference between the unitrust
amount(s) properly payable and the unitrust amount(s) actually paid.
-
Replace the first parenthetical in paragraph 4, Distribution to Charity,
of the sample trust with the following parenthetical:
(other than any amount due the Recipient and the Charitable Recipient
under the terms of this trust)
-
Replace each reference to “the Recipient” in paragraph 6
of the sample trust, Deferral of the Unitrust Payment Allocable to Testamentary
Transfer, with a reference to “the Recipient and the Charitable Recipient.”
-
Add the following sentence after the first and only sentence in paragraph
8, Prohibited Transactions, of the sample trust:
The Trustee shall not make any investments that jeopardize the exempt
purpose of the trust within the meaning of § 4944 of the Code, as
modified by § 4947(a)(2)(A) of the Code, or retain any excess business
holdings within the meaning of § 4943 of the Code, as modified by
§ 4947(a)(2)(A) of the Code.
.02 Apportionment of the Unitrust Amount Among Members of
a Named Class in the Discretion of the Trustee.
-
Explanation. A trust is not a CRUT if any person
has the power to alter the amount to be paid to any named person other than
an organization described in § 170(c) if the power would cause any
person to be treated as the owner of the trust, or any portion thereof, if
subpart E were applicable to the trust. Section 1.664-3(a)(3)(ii). See Rev.
Rul. 77-73, 1977-1 C.B. 175. For example, the donor would not be treated as
the owner of any portion of a trust if the power is exercisable solely by
an independent trustee or trustees, provided no person has the power to add
beneficiaries to the class except to provide for after-born or after-adopted
children. Section 674(c). Trustees are independent for purposes of § 674(c)
if none of them is the donor or the donor’s spouse and if no more than
half of them are related or subordinate parties who are subservient to the
wishes of the donor. However, an independent trustee’s discretionary
power, exercisable solely by that trustee, to allocate the unitrust amount
among the members of a class would cause the trustee to be treated as the
owner of all or a portion of the trust under § 678(a) if the trustee
is a member of the class, if the trustee may apply trust income or corpus
to satisfy the trustee’s own legal obligation, or if the trustee actually
exercises the power to satisfy a support obligation owed by the trustee. Therefore,
if any trustee is given the discretionary power exercisable solely by that
trustee to allocate the unitrust amount among members of a class, the trust
instrument must provide that such trustee must be: (i) independent; (ii) not
a member of the recipient class; and (iii) prohibited from applying any part
of the unitrust payment in satisfaction of the trustee’s own legal obligation.
-
Instructions for use.
-
Add the following sentence to the sample trust:
Any trustee who is authorized in the trustee’s sole discretion
to allocate the unitrust amount among members of a Recipient class must be
independent within the meaning of § 674(c) of the Code and must
not be a member of the Recipient class.
-
Replace the first sentence of paragraph 2, Payment of Unitrust Amount,
of the sample trust with the following three sentences:
In each taxable year of the trust during the unitrust period, the Trustee
shall pay to a member or members of a class of persons comprised of [designated
members of class] (hereinafter collectively “the Recipient”)
a unitrust amount equal to [a number no less than 5 and no more
than 50]
percent of the net fair market value of the assets of the trust valued
as of the first day of each taxable year of the trust (hereinafter “the
valuation date”). The Trustee may pay the unitrust amount to one or
more members of the class, in equal or unequal shares, as the Trustee,
in the Trustee’s sole discretion, from time to time may deem advisable.
The Trustee may not, however, apply any payment for the Trustee’s own
benefit, or in satisfaction of any support or other legal obligation of
the Trustee.
.03 Qualified Contingency.
-
Explanation. Under § 664(f), payment
of the unitrust amount may terminate upon the earlier of the occurrence of
a qualified contingency (as defined in § 664(f)(3)) or the expiration
of the term of years unitrust period. The amount of the charitable deduction,
however, will be determined without regard to a qualified contingency. See
§ 664(f)(2).
-
Instructions for use. Replace the second and third
sentences of paragraph 2, Payment of Unitrust Amount, of the sample trust
with the following two sentences:
The unitrust period is a period of [not more than 20]
years, unless earlier terminated by the occurrence of [qualified
contingency]. The first day of the unitrust period shall be the
date property is first transferred to the trust and the last day of the unitrust
period shall be the day preceding the [ordinal number corresponding
to the length of the unitrust period] anniversary of that date
or, if earlier, the date on which occurs the [qualified contingency].
.04 Restricting the Charitable Remainderman to a Public Charity.
-
Explanation. The amount of the donor’s charitable
contribution deduction for income tax purposes may be limited by the percentage
of income limitations described in § 170(b). In general, a larger
charitable contribution deduction may be available for income tax purposes
for a contribution to a charitable organization described in § 170(b)(1)(A)
than for a contribution to a private foundation (other than a private foundation
described in § 170(b)(1)(E)). See § 170(b) and Rev. Rul.
79-368, 1979-2 C.B. 109. To take advantage of the larger charitable contribution
deduction for income tax purposes, a donor of an inter vivos CRUT may wish
to restrict the charitable remainderman to an organization that is described
in § 170(b)(1)(A) as well as §§ 170(c), 2055(a),
and 2522(a) (referred to herein as a “public charity”).
-
Instructions for use. To restrict the charitable
remainderman to a public charity, each and every time the phrase “an
organization described in §§ 170(c), 2055(a), and 2522(a) of
the Code” appears in the sample trust, replace it with the phrase “an
organization described in §§ 170(b)(1)(A), 170(c), 2055(a),
and 2522(a) of the Code.”
.05 Retaining the Right to Substitute the Charitable Remainderman.
-
Explanation. The donor may retain the right to
substitute another charitable remainderman for the charitable remainderman
named in the trust instrument. See Rev. Rul. 76-8, 1976-1 C.B. 179. Note,
however, that the retention of this right will cause the gift of the remainder
interest to be incomplete for gift tax purposes. See § 25.2511-2(c)
and Rev. Rul. 77-275, 1977-2 C.B. 346.
-
Instructions for use. Insert the following sentence
between the first and last sentences of paragraph 4, Distribution to Charity,
of the sample trust:
The Donor reserves the right to designate, at any time and from time
to time, in lieu of the Charitable Organization identified above, one or more
organizations described in §§ 170(c), 2055(a), and 2522(a)
of the Code as the charitable remainderman and shall make any such designation
by giving written notice to the Trustee.
.06 Power of Appointment to Designate the Charitable Remainderman.
-
Explanation. The trust instrument may grant a
recipient a power of appointment to designate the charitable remainderman.
See Rev. Rul. 76-7, 1976-1 C.B. 179.
-
Instructions for use. Replace paragraph 4, Distribution
to Charity, of the sample trust with the following paragraph:
Distribution to Charity. At the termination of
the unitrust period, the Trustee shall distribute all of the then principal
and income of the trust (other than any amount due the Recipient under the
terms of this trust) to one or more charitable organizations described in
§§ 170(c), 2055(a), and 2522(a) of the Code as the Recipient
shall appoint and direct by specific reference to this power of appointment
by inter vivos or testamentary instrument. To the extent the Recipient fails
to effectively exercise the power of appointment, the principal and income
not effectively appointed shall be distributed to one or more organizations
described in §§ 170(c), 2055(a), and 2522(a) of the Code as
the Trustee shall select, and in the proportions as the Trustee shall decide,
in the Trustee’s sole discretion. If an organization fails to qualify
as an organization described in §§ 170(c), 2055(a), and 2522(a)
of the Code at the time when any principal or income of the trust is to be
distributed to it, then the Trustee shall distribute the then principal and
income to one or more organizations described in §§ 170(c),
2055(a), and 2522(a) of the Code as the Trustee shall select, and in the proportions
as the Trustee shall decide, in the Trustee’s sole discretion.
.07 Net Income Method of Calculating the Unitrust Amount.
-
Explanation. As an alternative to using the fixed
percentage method of calculating the unitrust amount in paragraph 2 of the
sample trust, a CRUT may use the net income method for calculating the unitrust
amount. Under the net income method, the unitrust amount is the lesser of
a fixed percentage of the net fair market value of the trust assets valued
annually or the amount of trust income for that year. Section 664(d)(3)(A)
and § 1.664-3(a)(1)(i)(b)(1).
For purposes of determining the amount of the charitable contribution, the
remainder interest is computed on the basis that an amount equal to the fixed
percentage unitrust amount is to be distributed each year, without regard
to the possibility that a smaller amount of trust income may be the amount
distributed. Section 664(e).
-
Definition of trust income. For purposes of the
methods described in § 664(d)(3), trust income generally means income
as defined under § 643(b) and the applicable regulations. Section
1.664-3(a)(1)(i)(b)(3). Even if
permitted by applicable state law, however, trust income of a CRUT that uses
the net income method, the net income with make-up method, or a combination
of methods of determining the unitrust amount may not be determined by reference
to a fixed percentage of the net fair market value of the trust property.
In addition, although certain proceeds from the sale or exchange of assets
must be allocated to principal and not to trust income, other such proceeds
may be allocated to trust income pursuant to the terms of the governing instrument,
if not prohibited by applicable local law. A discretionary power to make this
allocation may be granted to the trustee under the terms of the governing
instrument, but only to the extent that the applicable state statute permits
the trustee to make adjustments between income and principal to treat beneficiaries
impartially. Section 1.664-3(a)(1)(i)(b)(3).
A definition of trust income that is consistent with these requirements may,
but need not, be included in the trust instrument.
-
Instructions for use.
-
Each and every time a reference to “§ 664(d)(2)”
appears in the sample trust, replace it with a reference to Ҥ 664(d)(2)
and (d)(3).”
-
Replace the first five sentences of paragraph 2, Payment of Unitrust
Amount, of the sample trust with the following:
In each taxable year of the trust during the unitrust period, the Trustee
shall pay to [permissible recipient] (hereinafter “the
Recipient”) a unitrust amount equal to the lesser of (a) a fixed percentage
amount equal to [a number no less than 5 and no more than 50]
percent of the net fair market value of the assets of the trust valued as
of the valuation date (hereinafter “the fixed percentage amount described
in (a) of paragraph 2”) or (b) the trust income for the taxable year
as defined in § 643(b) of the Code and the applicable regulations.
The valuation date is the first day of each taxable year of the trust. The
unitrust period shall be a period of [a number not more than 20]
years. The first day of the unitrust period shall be the date property is
first transferred to the trust and the last day of the unitrust period shall
be the day preceding the [ordinal number corresponding to the length
of the unitrust period]
anniversary of that date. The unitrust amount shall be paid in equal
quarterly installments at the end of each calendar quarter from income.
Any income of the trust for a taxable year in excess of the unitrust
amount shall be added to principal.
-
Replace paragraph 3, Proration of Unitrust Amount, of the sample trust
with the following paragraph:
Proration of Unitrust Amount.
For a short taxable year and for the taxable year during which the
unitrust period ends, the Trustee shall prorate on a daily basis the
fixed percentage amount described in (a) of paragraph 2, or, if an
additional contribution is made to the trust, the fixed percentage
amount described in (a) of paragraph 5. In such a year, this prorated
fixed percentage amount shall be used in place of the fixed percentage
amount described in (a) of paragraph 2 or in (a) of paragraph 5 to
determine the unitrust amount payable for that year.
-
Replace paragraph 5, Additional Contributions, of the sample trust with
the following paragraph:
Additional Contributions.
Notwithstanding paragraph 2, if any additional contributions are made
to the trust after the initial contribution, the unitrust amount for
the year in which any additional contribution is made shall be equal to
the lesser of (a) a fixed percentage amount equal to [same percentage used in (a) of paragraph 2]
percent of the sum of (1) the net fair market value of the trust assets
as of the valuation date (excluding the assets so added and any
post-contribution income from, and appreciation on, such assets during
that year) and (2) for each additional contribution during the year,
the fair market value of the assets so added as of the valuation date
(including any post-contribution income from, and appreciation on, such
assets through the valuation date) multiplied by a fraction the
numerator of which is the number of days in the period that begins with
the date of contribution and ends with the earlier of the last day of
the taxable year or the last day of the unitrust period and the
denominator of which is the number of days in the period that begins
with the first day of such taxable year and ends with the earlier of
the last day in such taxable year or the last day of the unitrust
period (hereinafter “the fixed percentage amount described in (a) of
paragraph 5”) or (b) the trust income for the taxable year as defined
in § 643(b) of the Code and the applicable regulations. In a
taxable year in which an additional contribution is made on or after
the valuation date, the assets so added shall be valued as of the date
of contribution, without regard to any post-contribution income or
appreciation, rather than as of the valuation date.
.08 Net Income with Make-up Method of Calculating the Unitrust
Amount.
-
Explanation. As an alternative to using the fixed
percentage method of calculating the unitrust amount in paragraph 2 of the
sample trust, a CRUT may use the net income with make-up method for calculating
the unitrust amount. Under the net income with make-up method, the unitrust
amount consists of two components: (i) the amount determined under the net
income method (as described in section 6.07 of this revenue procedure); and
(ii) the amount of trust income that is in excess of the fixed percentage
amount for that year, but only to the extent that the aggregate of the unitrust
amounts paid to the recipient in prior years was less than the amounts that
would have been paid to the recipient if the unitrust amount had been computed
using the fixed percentage method. Section 664(d)(3)(B) and § 1.664-3(a)(1)(i)(b)(2).
For purposes of determining the amount of the charitable contribution, the
remainder interest is computed on the basis that an amount equal to the fixed
percentage unitrust amount is to be distributed each year, without regard
to the possibility that a smaller or larger amount of trust income may be
the amount distributed. Section 664(e). See section 6.07(2) of this revenue
procedure for rules relating to the definition of trust income.
-
Instructions for use.
-
Each and every time a reference to “§ 664(d)(2)”
appears in the sample trust, replace it with a reference to Ҥ 664(d)(2)
and (d)(3).”
-
Replace the first five sentences of paragraph 2, Payment of Unitrust
Amount, of the sample trust with the following:
In each taxable year of the trust during the unitrust period, the Trustee
shall pay to [permissible recipient] (hereinafter “the
Recipient”) a unitrust amount equal to the lesser of (a) a fixed percentage
amount equal to [a number no less than 5 and no more than 50]
percent of the net fair market value of the assets of the trust valued as
of the valuation date (hereinafter “the fixed percentage amount described
in (a) of paragraph 2”) or (b) the trust income for the taxable year
as defined in § 643(b) of the Code and the applicable regulations.
The unitrust amount for a taxable year shall also include any amount of trust
income for the year that is in excess of [the fixed percentage amount
determined under (a) of this paragraph for the year],
but only to the extent that the aggregate of the amounts paid to the
Recipient in prior years was less than the aggregate of the amounts
determined for all prior years under (a) of this paragraph and (a) of
paragraph 5. The valuation date is the first day of each taxable year
of the trust. The unitrust period shall be a period of [a number not more than 20]
years. The first day of the unitrust period shall be the date property
is first transferred to the trust and the last day of the unitrust
period shall be the day preceding the [ordinal number corresponding to the length of the unitrust
period] anniversary of that date. The unitrust amount shall be
paid in equal quarterly installments at the end of each calendar quarter from
income. Any income of the trust for a taxable year in excess of the unitrust
amount shall be added to principal.
-
Replace paragraph 3, Proration of Unitrust Amount, of the sample trust
with the following paragraph:
Proration of Unitrust Amount.
For a short taxable year and for the taxable year during which the
unitrust period ends, the Trustee shall prorate on a daily basis the
fixed percentage amount described in (a) of paragraph 2, or, if an
additional contribution is made to the trust, the fixed percentage
amount described in (a) of paragraph 5. In such a year, this prorated
fixed percentage amount shall be used in place of the fixed percentage
amount described in (a) of paragraph 2 or in (a) of paragraph 5 to
determine the unitrust amount payable for that year.
-
Replace paragraph 5, Additional Contributions, of the sample trust with
the following paragraph:
Additional Contributions.
Notwithstanding paragraph 2, if any additional contributions are made
to the trust after the initial contribution, the unitrust amount for
the year in which any additional contribution is made shall be equal to
the lesser of (a) a fixed percentage amount equal to [same percentage used in (a) of paragraph 2]
percent of the sum of (1) the net fair market value of the trust assets
as of the valuation date (excluding the assets so added and any
post-contribution income from, and appreciation on, such assets during
that year) and (2) for each additional contribution during the year,
the fair market value of the assets so added as of the valuation date
(including any post-contribution income from, and appreciation on, such
assets through the valuation date) multiplied by a fraction the
numerator of which is the number of days in the period that begins with
the date of contribution and ends with the earlier of the last day of
the taxable year or the last day of the unitrust period and the
denominator of which is the number of days in the period that begins
with the first day of such taxable year and ends with the earlier of
the last day in such taxable year or the last day of the unitrust
period (hereinafter “the fixed percentage amount described in (a) of
paragraph 5”) or (b) the trust income for the taxable year as defined
in § 643(b) of the Code and the applicable regulations. The
unitrust amount for that year shall also include any amount of trust
income for the year that is in excess of [the
fixed percentage amount determined under (a) of this paragraph for the
year],
but only to the extent that the aggregate of the amounts paid to the
Recipient in prior years was less than the aggregate of the amounts
determined for all prior years under (a) of paragraph 2 and (a) of this
paragraph. In a taxable year in which an additional contribution is
made on or after the valuation date, the assets so added shall be
valued as of the date of contribution, without regard to any
post-contribution income or appreciation, rather than as of the
valuation date.
.09 Combination of Methods for Calculating the Unitrust Amount.
-
Explanation. The net income method (described
in section 6.07 of this revenue procedure) or the net income with make-up
method (described in section 6.08 of this revenue procedure) may be combined
with the fixed percentage method for calculating the unitrust amount. Section
1.664-3(a)(1)(i)(c). More specifically, the governing
instrument may provide for payment of the unitrust amount not less often than
annually using the net income or the net income with make-up method of calculation,
and then, in the years following a permissible triggering event (as described
in § 1.664-3(a)(1)(i)(c) and (d)),
for payment of the unitrust amount using the fixed percentage method of calculation.
To provide for a one-time conversion from the net income or the net income
with make-up method to the fixed percentage method of calculation, the governing
instrument must provide that: (i) the change in method is triggered on a specific
date or by a single event whose occurrence is not discretionary with, or within
the control of, the trustees or any other persons; (ii) the change in method
occurs at the beginning of the taxable year that immediately follows the taxable
year during which the permissible triggering event occurs; and (iii) following
the trust’s conversion to the fixed percentage method, the trust will
pay at least annually to the recipient the amount described in § 1.664-3(a)(1)(i)(a)
and no amount described in § 1.664-3(a)(1)(i)(b).
Section 1.664-3(a)(1)(i)(c). Thus, any make-up amount
described in § 1.664-3(a)(1)(i)(b)(2)
that is not paid by the beginning of the taxable year immediately following
the taxable year during which the permissible triggering event occurs shall
be forfeited by the recipient and added to principal.
-
Instructions for use to combine the net income and fixed
percentage methods. To convert from the net income method for calculating
the unitrust amount to the fixed percentage method after a permissible triggering
event:
-
Each and every time a reference to “§ 664(d)(2)”
appears in the sample trust, replace it with a reference to Ҥ 664(d)(2)
and (d)(3).”
-
Replace paragraph 2, Payment of Unitrust Amount, of the sample trust
with the following paragraph:
Payment of Unitrust Amount.
-
Unitrust amount determined by net income method.
In each taxable year of the trust during the unitrust period, the
Trustee shall pay to [permissible recipient]
(hereinafter “the Recipient”) a unitrust amount equal to the lesser of
(a) a fixed percentage amount equal to [a number no less than 5 and no more than 50]
percent of the net fair market value of the assets of the trust valued
as of the valuation date (hereinafter “the fixed percentage amount
described in (a) of paragraph 2(i)”) or (b) the trust income for the
taxable year as defined in § 643(b) of the Code and the applicable
regulations. The unitrust amount shall be paid in equal quarterly
installments at the end of each calendar quarter from income. Any
income of the trust for a taxable year in excess of the unitrust amount
shall be added to principal.
-
Conversion to fixed percentage method of determining unitrust
amount. Notwithstanding paragraph 2(i), upon the occurrence of
[permissible triggering event as described in § 1.664-3(a)(1)(i)(c)
and (d) of the Income Tax Regulations]
(hereinafter “the triggering event”) and effective as of the first day
of the taxable year that immediately follows the triggering event
(hereinafter “the effective date of the triggering event”), the Trustee
shall pay to the Recipient in each remaining taxable year of the trust
during the unitrust period a unitrust amount equal to [same percentage used in (a) of
paragraph 2(i)]
percent of the net fair market value of the trust assets as of the
valuation date. Beginning on the effective date of the triggering
event, the Trustee shall no longer pay the amount equal to the lesser
of (a) or (b) in paragraph 2(i). The unitrust amount shall be paid in
equal quarterly installments at the end of each calendar quarter from
income and, to the extent income is not sufficient, from principal. Any
income of the trust for a taxable year in excess of the unitrust amount
shall be added to principal.
-
In general. The unitrust period shall be a period
of [a number not more than 20]
years. The first day of the unitrust period shall be the date property
is first transferred to the trust and the last day of the unitrust
period shall be the day preceding the [ordinal number corresponding to the length of the unitrust period]
anniversary of that date. The valuation date is the first day of each
taxable year of the trust. If, for any year, the net fair market value
of the trust assets is incorrectly determined, then within a reasonable
period after the correct value is finally determined, the Trustee shall
pay to the Recipient (in the case of an undervaluation) or receive from
the Recipient (in the case of an overvaluation) an amount equal to the
difference between the unitrust amount(s) properly payable and the
unitrust amount(s) actually paid.
-
Replace paragraph 3, Proration of Unitrust Amount, of the sample trust
with the following paragraph:
Proration of Unitrust Amount.
-
Proration in years preceding the effective date of triggering
event.
For a short taxable year before the effective date of the triggering
event, which may include the taxable year during which the unitrust
period ends, the Trustee shall prorate on a daily basis the fixed
percentage amount described in (a) of paragraph 2(i) or, if an
additional contribution is made to the trust, the fixed percentage
amount described in (a) of paragraph 5(i). In such a year, this
prorated fixed percentage amount shall be used in place of the fixed
percentage amount described in (a) of paragraph 2(i) or in (a) of
paragraph 5(i) to determine the unitrust amount payable for that year.
-
Proration on and after effective date of triggering event.
For a short taxable year beginning on or after the effective date of
the triggering event, which may include the taxable year during which
the unitrust period ends, the Trustee shall prorate on a daily basis
the unitrust amount described in paragraph 2(ii) or, if an additional
contribution is made to the trust, the unitrust amount described in
paragraph 5(ii).
-
Replace paragraph 5, Additional Contributions, of the sample trust with
the following paragraph:
Additional Contributions.
-
Additional contributions made before effective date of triggering
event.
Notwithstanding paragraph 2(i), if any additional contributions are
made to the trust after the initial contribution and before the
effective date of the triggering event, the unitrust amount for the
year in which the additional contribution is made shall be equal to the
lesser of:
-
a fixed percentage amount equal to [same percentage used in
(a) of paragraph 2(i)] percent of the sum of:
-
the
net fair market value of the trust assets as of the valuation date
(excluding the assets so added and any post-contribution income from,
and appreciation on, such assets during that year); and
-
for
each additional contribution during the year, the fair market value of
the assets so added as of the valuation date (including any
post-contribution income from, and appreciation on, such assets through
the valuation date) multiplied by a fraction the numerator of which is
the number of days in the period that begins with the date of
contribution and ends with the earlier of the last day of the taxable
year or the last day of the unitrust period and the denominator of
which is the number of days in the period that begins with the first
day of such taxable year and ends with the earlier of the last day in
such taxable year or the last day of the unitrust period
(hereinafter “the fixed percentage amount described in
(a) of paragraph 5(i)”); or
-
the trust income for the taxable year as defined in § 643(b)
of the Code and the applicable regulations.
In
a taxable year in which an additional contribution is made on or after
the valuation date, the assets so added shall be valued as of the date
of contribution, without regard to any post-contribution income or
appreciation, rather than as of the valuation date.
-
Additional contributions made on or after effective date
of triggering event.
Notwithstanding paragraph 2(ii), if any additional contributions are
made to the trust after the initial contribution and on or after the
effective date of the triggering event, the unitrust amount described
in paragraph 2(ii) for the year in which the additional contribution is
made shall be [same percentage used in (a) of paragraph 2(i)]
percent of the sum of:
-
the
net fair market value of the trust assets as of the valuation date
(excluding the assets so added and any post-contribution income from,
and appreciation on, such assets during that year); and
-
for
each additional contribution during the year, the fair market value of
the assets so added as of the valuation date (including any
post-contribution income from, and appreciation on, such assets through
the valuation date) multiplied by a fraction the numerator of which is
the number of days in the period that begins with the date of
contribution and ends with the earlier of the last day of the taxable
year or the last day of the unitrust period and the denominator of
which is the number of days in the period that begins with the first
day of such taxable year and ends with the earlier of the last day in
such taxable year or the last day of the unitrust period.
In
a taxable year in which an additional contribution is made on or after
the valuation date, the assets so added shall be valued as of the date
of contribution, without regard to any post-contribution income or
appreciation, rather than as of the valuation date. Beginning on the
effective date of the triggering event, the trustee shall no longer pay
the amount equal to the lesser of (a) or (b) in paragraph 5(i).
-
Instructions for use to combine the net income with make-up
and fixed percentage methods. To convert from the net income with
make-up method for calculating the unitrust amount to the fixed percentage
method after a permissible triggering event:
-
Each and every time a reference to “§ 664(d)(2)”
appears in the sample trust, replace it with a reference to Ҥ 664(d)(2)
and (d)(3).”
-
Replace paragraph 2, Payment of Unitrust Amount, of the sample trust
with the following paragraph:
Payment of Unitrust Amount.
-
Unitrust amount determined by net income with make-up method.
In each taxable year of the trust during the unitrust period, the
Trustee shall pay to [permissible recipient]
(hereinafter “the Recipient”) a unitrust amount equal to the lesser of
(a) a fixed percentage amount equal to [a number no less than 5 and no more than 50]
percent of the net fair market value of the assets of the trust valued
as of the valuation date (hereinafter “the fixed percentage amount
described in (a) of paragraph 2(i)”) or (b) the trust income for the
taxable year as defined in § 643(b) of the Code and the applicable
regulations. The unitrust amount for a taxable year shall also include
any amount of trust income for the year that is in excess of [the fixed percentage amount
determined under (a) of paragraph 2(i) for the year],
but only to the extent that the aggregate of the amounts paid to the
Recipient in prior years was less than the aggregate of the amounts
determined for all prior years under (a) of paragraph 2(i) and (a) of
paragraph 5(i). The unitrust amount shall be paid in equal quarterly
installments at the end of each calendar quarter from income. Any
income of the trust for a taxable year in excess of the unitrust amount
shall be added to principal.
-
Conversion to fixed percentage method of determining unitrust
amount. Notwithstanding paragraph 2(i), upon the occurrence of
[permissible triggering event as described in § 1.664-3(a)(1)(i)(c)
and (d) of the Income Tax Regulations]
(hereinafter “the triggering event”) and effective as of the first day
of the taxable year that immediately follows the triggering event
(hereinafter “the effective date of the triggering event”), the Trustee
shall pay to the Recipient in each remaining taxable year of the trust
during the unitrust period a unitrust amount equal to [same percentage used in (a) of
paragraph 2(i)]
percent of the net fair market value of the trust assets as of the
valuation date. Beginning on the effective date of the triggering
event, the Trustee shall no longer pay the amount equal to the lesser
of (a) or (b) in paragraph 2(i) and shall not pay any amount of trust
income described in the second sentence of paragraph 2(i). The unitrust
amount shall be paid in equal quarterly installments at the end of each
calendar quarter from income and, to the extent income is not
sufficient, from principal. Any income of the trust for a taxable year
in excess of the unitrust amount shall be added to principal.
-
In general. The unitrust period shall be a period
of [a number not more than 20]
years. The first day of the unitrust period shall be the date property
is first transferred to the trust and the last day of the unitrust
period shall be the day preceding the [ordinal number corresponding to the length of the unitrust period]
anniversary of that date. The valuation date is the first day of each
taxable year of the trust. If, for any year, the net fair market value
of the trust assets is incorrectly determined, then within a reasonable
period after the correct value is finally determined, the Trustee shall
pay to the Recipient (in the case of an undervaluation) or receive from
the Recipient (in the case of an overvaluation) an amount equal to the
difference between the unitrust amount(s) properly payable and the
unitrust amount(s) actually paid.
-
Replace paragraph 3, Proration of Unitrust Amount, of the sample trust
with the following paragraph:
Proration of Unitrust Amount.
-
Proration in years preceding the effective date of triggering
event.
For a short taxable year before the effective date of the triggering
event, which may include the taxable year during which the unitrust
period ends, the Trustee shall prorate on a daily basis the fixed
percentage amount described in (a) of paragraph 2(i) or, if an
additional contribution is made to the trust, the fixed percentage
amount described in (a) of paragraph 5(i). In such a year, this
prorated fixed percentage amount shall be used in place of the fixed
percentage amount described in (a) of paragraph 2(i) or in (a) of
paragraph 5(i) to determine the unitrust amount payable for that year.
-
Proration on and after effective date of triggering event.
For a short taxable year beginning on or after the effective date of
the triggering event, which may include the taxable year during which
the unitrust period ends, the Trustee shall prorate on a daily basis
the unitrust amount described in paragraph 2(ii) or, if an additional
contribution is made to the trust, the unitrust amount described in
paragraph 5(ii).
-
Replace paragraph 5, Additional Contributions, of the sample trust with
the following paragraph:
Additional Contributions.
-
Additional contributions made before effective date of triggering
event.
Notwithstanding paragraph 2(i), if any additional contributions are
made to the trust after the initial contribution and before the
effective date of the triggering event, the unitrust amount for the
year in which the additional contribution is made shall be equal to the
lesser of:
-
a fixed percentage amount equal to [same percentage used in
(a) of paragraph 2(i)] percent of the sum of:
-
the
net fair market value of the trust assets as of the valuation date
(excluding the assets so added and any post-contribution income from,
and appreciation on, such assets during that year); and
-
for
each additional contribution during the year, the fair market value of
the assets so added as of the valuation date (including any
post-contribution income from, and appreciation on, such assets through
the valuation date) multiplied by a fraction the numerator of which is
the number of days in the period that begins with the date of
contribution and ends with the earlier of the last day of the taxable
year or the last day of the unitrust period and the denominator of
which is the number of days in the period that begins with the first
day of such taxable year and ends with the earlier of the last day in
such taxable year or the last day of the unitrust period
(hereinafter “the fixed percentage amount described in
(a) of paragraph 5(i)”); or
-
the trust income for the taxable year as defined in § 643(b)
of the Code and the applicable regulations.
The unitrust amount for that year shall also include any amount
of trust income for the year that is in excess of [the fixed percentage
amount determined under (a) of paragraph 5(i) for the year],
but only to the extent that the aggregate of the amounts paid to the
Recipient in prior years was less than the aggregate of the amounts
determined for all prior years under (a) of paragraph 2(i) and (a) of
this paragraph 5(i). In a taxable year in which an additional
contribution is made on or after the valuation date, the assets so
added shall be valued as of the date of contribution, without regard to
any post-contribution income or appreciation, rather than as of the
valuation date.
-
Additional contributions made on or after effective date
of triggering event.
Notwithstanding paragraph 2(ii), if any additional contributions are
made to the trust after the initial contribution and on or after the
effective date of the triggering event, the unitrust amount described
in paragraph 2(ii) for the year in which the additional contribution is
made shall be [same percentage used in (a) of paragraph 2(i)]
percent of the sum of:
-
the
net fair market value of the trust assets as of the valuation date
(excluding the assets so added and any post-contribution income from,
and appreciation on, such assets during that year); and
-
or
each additional contribution during the year, the fair market value of
the assets so added as of the valuation date (including any
post-contribution income from, and appreciation on, such assets through
the valuation date) multiplied by a fraction the numerator of which is
the number of days in the period that begins with the date of
contribution and ends with the earlier of the last day of the taxable
year or the last day of the unitrust period and the denominator of
which is the number of days in the period that begins with the first
day of such taxable year and ends with the earlier of the last day in
such taxable year or the last day of the unitrust period.
In
a taxable year in which an additional contribution is made on or after
the valuation date, the assets so added shall be valued as of the date
of contribution, without regard to any post-contribution income or
appreciation, rather than as of the valuation date. Beginning on the
effective date of the triggering event, the Trustee shall no longer pay
the amount equal to the lesser of (a) or (b) in paragraph 5(i) and
shall not pay any amount of trust income described in the second
sentence of paragraph 5(i).
The principal authors of this revenue procedure are Karlene M. Lesho
and Stephanie N. Bland of the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Passthroughs
and Special Industries). For further information regarding this revenue procedure,
contact Karlene M. Lesho or Stephanie N. Bland at (202) 622-7830 (not a toll-free
call).
Internal Revenue Bulletin 2005-34
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