An understanding of a CLT is critical for any gift planner who wants to be in a position of becoming a donor's or potential donor's advisor. In order to do so, a gift planner must understand how a CLT works and be prepared to respond if other advisors to the donor should advise a CLT in the donor's financial, estate, and charitable planning. This article presents the concept of this complex planned giving vehicle, different types, and technical obstacles to setting one up. Examples are worked through in an attempt to show participants how to determine the appropriateness of a CLT for any particular donor. Lastly, advanced uses are addressed, with the specific facts and consequences presented.

On February 10, 2026, the House Ways & Means Committee held a hearing where lawmakers and witnesses discussed revamping IRS Form 990 to increase transparency.

On February 23, 2026, IRS announced that certain portions of final regulations relating to required minimum distributions (RMDs) under Sec. 401(a)(9) will apply for the calendar year that begins no earlier than six months after the final regulations are issued in the Federal Register (Announcement).

Effective December 24, 2025, the United States Postal Service (USPS) adopted Section 608.11 (Final Rule) to the Domestic Mail Manual, which clarifies the relationship between postmark dates on mail and the date on which USPS actually accepts possession of the mail.