SLATs offer an estate planning safety net

Description

Abstract: Many people are taking advantage of the temporary increase to the gift and estate tax exemption amount by giving away substantial amounts of wealth gift-tax-free — either directly or in trust — during the next six-plus years, locking in the higher exemption amount. However, what if one is reluctant to give away substantial amounts of wealth now, for fear that he or she may need access to it down the road? One potential solution is a spousal lifetime access trust (SLAT). This article explains how a SLAT works and includes a sidebar on the “clawback” rule.