A QDOT is used when a US Citizen is married to a non-US Citizen. The Qualified Domestic Trust is designed to hold all or some of the US Citizen’s wealth to avoid or delay the Federal Estate Tax.
Because Congress is worried that a non-US Citizen spouse will attempt to move assets overseas to avoid the Federal Estate Tax, a non-US Citizen spouse is not given an unlimited spousal exemption. This means the US Citizen Spouse’s death a tax might be due. Congress did spell out how the tax can be avoided or delayed, and a QDOT adopts those terms.
Here are some questions clients, beneficiaries, and Trustees ask
A QDOT is not necessary, but without a QDOT your estate may pay Estate Tax at an accelerated rate. The QDOT is designed to defer the tax.
Yes, a QDOT is a tool that can be used if it is the right fit. Other trusts might be a better fit. An examination of your assets and an understanding of your particular goals I can advise you about the pros and cons of various trusts.
If your estate exceeds the Federal Estate Tax Exemption, then a tax is due at your death. A QDOT can help delay, or even avoid, the tax.
A QDOT is an excellent tool, but other instruments such as an ILIT may also help. The best plan will depend on your particular assets and your goals.
The best plan will depend on your unique goals and particular assets. Many tools are available, including the QDOT. Only a review of your goals and assets can determine the best plan.
If you have any questions about Qualified Domestic Trusts or any other estate planning topics, please contact us to schedule a free consultation. For more than two decades Klenk Law has focused only on Estate Law. We’ve seen it all, and this experience allows us to explain complex estate law and planning techniques clearly and concisely. We make it easy for you to understand QDOTs so you can make the best decisions for yourself and your family.
Peter Klenk is the founding member of Klenk Law, a seven attorney boutique estate planning law firm. We serve clients in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Minnesota and Florida. Peter Klenk received his Masters in Taxation LL.M. from NYU Law School and his J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School. He served his country in the Navy JAGC during Desert Storm. Easy to talk to, feel free to call Peter for an appointment. We will make the process as easy as possible!
"I worked for Peter Klenk for 4 wonderful years. I can’t speak highly enough of everyone at the firm. Everyone truly cares about their clients and has a strong sense of responsibility to get things done right. I would highly recommend Klenk Law!"
Flora Novick
Peter and his staff are very responsive and always willing to help my clients and in a cost efficient manner.
Everything about my experience was a 10+! Peter and his staff made what I thought would be a difficult process easy and understandable. Every detail was handled correctly. No other firm could possibly do better than Klenk Law!
Like another reviewer, I contacted Peter through his website using the free consultation link, for a question regarding PA inheritance taxes. The question was quite technical and difficult to explain, and the answer was nowhere to be found on the web. Peter grasped precisely what I was asking, and provided a clear, helpful response (with a touch of humor) the very next day.
Peter Klenk & Associates is my go-to firm for estate planning and advice in probate and estate administration. Peter and his attorneys are top-notch and exceptionally responsive. Peter has the knack of being able to explain extremely complex tax and estate planning issues in a manner that clients are easily able to understand and comprehend allowing them to confidently make important decisions.
I've worked with and known Peter Klenk and his associates for years. They are highly professional, diligent and truly experts in their field. By focusing on just wills, trusts, and estates, Klenk law has experienced every angle of estate planning and applied that knowledge to help prepare our clients with thorough and comprehensive documents.
Let us put our expertise to work for you.
Free consultation within 24 hours.