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Rev. Proc. 2005-57


Table of Contents

  • SECTION 1. PURPOSE
  • SECTION 2. BACKGROUND
  • SECTION 3. SCOPE AND OBJECTIVE
  • SECTION 4. SAMPLE TESTAMENTARY CHARITABLE REMAINDER UNITRUST — TERM OF YEARS
  • SECTION 5. ANNOTATIONS REGARDING SAMPLE TESTAMENTARY CHARITABLE REMAINDER UNITRUST — TERM OF YEARS
    • .01 Annotations for Introductory Paragraph of the Sample Trust.
    • .02 Annotations for Paragraph 1, Payment of Unitrust Amount, of the Sample Trust.
    • .03 Annotations for Paragraph 2, Deferral Provision, of the Sample Trust.
    • .04 Annotations for Paragraph 3, Proration of Unitrust Amount, of the Sample Trust.
    • .05 Annotations for Paragraph 4, Distribution to Charity, of the Sample Trust.
    • .06 Annotations for Paragraph 6, Unmarketable Assets, of the Sample Trust.
    • .07 Annotations for Paragraph 7, Prohibited Transactions, of the Sample Trust.
  • SECTION 6. ALTERNATE PROVISIONS FOR SAMPLE TESTAMENTARY CHARITABLE REMAINDER UNITRUST — TERM OF YEARS
    • .01 Payment of Part of the Unitrust Amount to an Organization Described in § 170(c).
    • .02 Apportionment of the Unitrust Amount Among Members of a Named Class in the Discretion of the Trustee.
    • .03 Qualified Contingency.
    • .04 Power of Appointment to Designate the Charitable Remainderman.
    • .05 Net Income Method of Calculating the Unitrust Amount.
    • .06 Net Income with Make-up Method of Calculating the Unitrust Amount.
    • .07 Combination of Methods for Calculating the Unitrust Amount.
  • DRAFTING INFORMATION

SECTION 1. PURPOSE

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 a testamentary charitable remainder unitrust (CRUT) providing for unitrust payments for a term of years followed by the distribution of trust assets to a charitable remainderman.

SECTION 2. BACKGROUND

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 a testamentary CRUT providing for unitrust payments for a term of years, samples are provided in separate revenue procedures for:

  1. 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);

  2. an inter vivos CRUT providing for unitrust payments for a term of years (see Rev. Proc. 2005-53);

  3. 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);

  4. 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);

  5. 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);

  6. 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

  7. 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 a testamentary CRUT that is created by an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States and that provides for a term of years unitrust period. 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) a power of appointment to designate the charitable remainderman; (.05) the net income method of calculating the unitrust amount; (.06) the net income with make-up method of calculating the unitrust amount; and (.07) 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 § 2055(e)(2)(A) for estate tax purposes if the other requirements of § 2055(e)(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 a testamentary 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 TESTAMENTARY CHARITABLE REMAINDER UNITRUST — TERM OF YEARS

I give, devise, and bequeath [property bequeathed] to my Trustee in trust to be administered under this provision. I intend this bequest to establish a charitable remainder unitrust, within the meaning of Rev. Proc. 2005-57 and § 664(d)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code (hereinafter “the Code”). The trust shall be known as the ________ Charitable Remainder Unitrust and I hereby designate ________ as the initial trustee (hereinafter “the Trustee”).

1. 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 of my death 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.

2. Deferral Provision. The obligation to pay the unitrust amount shall commence with the date of my death, but payment of the unitrust amount may be deferred from this date until the end of the taxable year in which the trust is completely funded. Within a reasonable time after the end of the taxable year in which the trust is completely funded, 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 actually paid, plus interest, and the unitrust amounts 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.

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 1.

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) and 2055(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) and 2055(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. No additional contributions shall be made to the trust after the initial contribution. The initial contribution, however, shall be deemed to consist of all property passing to the trust by reason of my death.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Taxable Year. The taxable year of the trust shall be the calendar year.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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 TESTAMENTARY CHARITABLE REMAINDER UNITRUST — TERM OF YEARS

.01 Annotations for Introductory Paragraph of the Sample Trust.

  1. Factors concerning qualification of trust. A deduction must be allowable under § 2055 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 no 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). For purposes of § 2055, a charitable remainder trust shall be deemed created at the date of death of the decedent (even though the trust is not funded until the end of a reasonable period of administration or settlement) if the obligation to pay the unitrust amount with respect to the property passing in trust at the death of the decedent begins as of the date of death of the decedent, even though the requirement to pay this amount is deferred in accordance with § 1.664-1(a)(5)(i). 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.

  2. 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 5.06 of this revenue procedure for further guidance related to the valuation of unmarketable assets.

  3. 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 the 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).

.02 Annotations for Paragraph 1, Payment of Unitrust Amount, of the Sample Trust.

  1. 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.

  2. 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).

  3. 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.

  4. Fixed percentage method. Paragraph 1, 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 6.05 of this revenue procedure for an alternate provision that uses the net income method for calculating the unitrust amount. See section 6.06 of this revenue procedure for an alternate provision that uses the net income with make-up method for calculating the unitrust amount. See section 6.07 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).

  5. 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).

  6. Payment of unitrust amount in installments. Paragraph 1, 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.

  7. Rules applicable to valuation. Paragraph 1, 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; and (ii) the proration of the unitrust amount in a short taxable year and the last taxable year of the unitrust period. See § 1.664-3(a)(1)(v).

  8. 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 5.03(1) of this revenue procedure for additional information regarding the deferral of the payment of the unitrust amount until the end of the taxable year in which the trust is completely funded.

  9. 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.

  10. 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 Annotations for Paragraph 2, Deferral Provision, of the Sample Trust.

  1. Deferral of requirement to pay unitrust amount. The deferral provision in paragraph 2 of the sample trust authorizes deferring the payment of the unitrust amount until the end of the taxable year of the trust in which the trust is completely funded. Section 1.664-1(a)(5)(i) provides the operational rule for deferring payment of the unitrust amount in this circumstance. The deferral provision in paragraph 2 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.

  2. Treatment of distributions. For the proper treatment of distributions to a charitable remainder trust or to the recipient during the period of administration of an estate or settlement of a trust that is not a charitable remainder trust, see § 1.664-1(a)(5)(iii).

.04 Annotations for Paragraph 3, Proration of Unitrust Amount, of the Sample Trust.

  1. 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.

.05 Annotations for Paragraph 4, Distribution to Charity, of the Sample Trust.

  1. Minimum value of remainder. As noted in section 5.02(5) of this revenue procedure 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 as finally determined for federal estate tax purposes. Section 664(d)(2)(D).

  2. 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).

  3. Designated remainderman. Any named charitable remainderman must be an organization described in §§ 170(c) and 2055(a) at the time of the transfer to the CRUT. See § 664(d)(2)(C). The trust instrument may restrict the charitable remainderman to an organization described in §§ 170(c) and 2055(a), but grant to a trustee or other person the power to designate the actual charitable remainderman. See section 6.04 of this revenue procedure for an alternate provision in which the recipient is granted a power of appointment to designate the charitable remainderman.

  4. Multiple remaindermen. The remainder interest may pass to more than one charitable organization as long as each organization is described in §§ 170(c) and 2055(a). Section 1.664-3(a)(6)(i).

  5. 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.

  6. 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 5.07(3) of this revenue procedure for certain governing instrument requirements that apply when the trust continues in existence for charity.

.06 Annotations for Paragraph 6, Unmarketable Assets, of the Sample Trust.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

.07 Annotations for Paragraph 7, Prohibited Transactions, of the Sample Trust.

  1. 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)(2)(A). Section 53.4947-1(c)(2) of the Foundation and Similar Excise Taxes Regulations.

  2. 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 an estate tax charitable deduction is 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).

  3. 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 7 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.

SECTION 6. ALTERNATE PROVISIONS FOR SAMPLE TESTAMENTARY CHARITABLE REMAINDER UNITRUST — TERM OF YEARS

.01 Payment of Part of the Unitrust Amount to an Organization Described in § 170(c).

  1. Explanation. An organization described in § 170(c) may receive part, but not all, of any unitrust amount. Section 664(d)(2)(A). If an estate tax charitable deduction is 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) and 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).

  2. Instructions for use.

    1. Replace paragraph 1, 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) and 2055(a) of the Code] (hereinafter “the Charitable Recipient”). The unitrust period shall be a period of [a number not more than 20 years] years. The first day of the unitrust period shall be the date of my death 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) and 2055(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) and 2055(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.

    2. Replace each reference to “the Recipient” in paragraph 2, Deferral Provision, of the sample trust with a reference to “the Recipient and the Charitable Recipient.”

    3. 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)

    4. Add the following sentence after the first and only sentence in paragraph 7, 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.

  1. 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. A 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) not a member of the recipient class; and (ii) prohibited from applying any part of the unitrust payment in satisfaction of the trustee’s own legal obligation.

  2. Instructions for use.

    1. 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.

    2. Replace the first sentence of paragraph 1, 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.

  1. 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).

  2. Instructions for use. Replace the second and third sentences of paragraph 1, 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 of my death 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 Power of Appointment to Designate the Charitable Remainderman.

  1. Explanation. The trust instrument may grant the recipient a power of appointment to designate the charitable remainderman. See Rev. Rul. 76-7, 1976-1 C.B. 179.

  2. 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) and 2055(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) and 2055(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) and 2055(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) and 2055(a) of the Code as the Trustee shall select, and in the proportions as the Trustee shall decide, in the Trustee’s sole discretion.

.05 Net Income Method of Calculating the Unitrust Amount.

  1. Explanation. As an alternative to using the fixed percentage method of calculating the unitrust amount in paragraph 1 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).

  2. 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.

  3. Instructions for use.

    1. Each and every time a reference to “§ 664(d)(2)” appears in the sample trust, replace it with a reference to “§ 664(d)(2) and (d)(3).”

    2. Replace the first five sentences of paragraph 1, 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 1”) 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] years. The first day of the unitrust period shall be the date of my death 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.

    3. 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 1. In such a year, this prorated fixed percentage amount shall be used in place of the fixed percentage amount described in (a) of paragraph 1 to determine the unitrust amount payable for that year.

.06 Net Income with Make-up Method of Calculating the Unitrust Amount.

  1. Explanation. As an alternative to using the fixed percentage method of calculating the unitrust amount in paragraph 1 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 6.05 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 6.05(2) of this revenue procedure for rules relating to the definition of trust income.

  2. Instructions for use.

    1. Each and every time a reference to “§ 664(d)(2)” appears in the sample trust, replace it with a reference to “§ 664(d)(2) and (d)(3).”

    2. Replace the first five sentences of paragraph 1, 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 1”) 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. 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] years. The first day of the unitrust period shall be the date of my death 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.

    3. 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 1. In such a year, this prorated fixed percentage amount shall be used in place of the fixed percentage amount described in (a) of paragraph 1 to determine the unitrust amount payable for that year.

.07 Combination of Methods for Calculating the Unitrust Amount.

  1. Explanation. The net income method (described in section 6.05 of this revenue procedure) or the net income with make-up method (described in section 6.06 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.

  2. 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:

    1. Each and every time a reference to “§ 664(d)(2)” appears in the sample trust, replace it with a reference to “§ 664(d)(2) and (d)(3).”

    2. Replace paragraph 1, Payment of Unitrust Amount, of the sample trust with the following paragraph:

      Payment of Unitrust Amount.

      1. 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 1(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.

      2. Conversion to fixed percentage method of determining unitrust amount. Notwithstanding paragraph 1(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 1(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 1(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.

      3. 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 of my death 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.

    3. Replace paragraph 3, Proration of Unitrust Amount, of the sample trust with the following paragraph:

      Proration of Unitrust Amount.

      1. 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 1(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 1(i) to determine the unitrust amount payable for that year.

      2. 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 1(ii).

  3. 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:

    1. Each and every time a reference to “§ 664(d)(2)” appears in the sample trust, replace it with a reference to “§ 664(d)(2) and (d)(3).”

    2. Replace paragraph 1, Payment of Unitrust Amount, of the sample trust with the following paragraph:

      Payment of Unitrust Amount.

      1. 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 1(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 1(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 1(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.

      2. Conversion to fixed percentage method of determining unitrust amount. Notwithstanding paragraph 1(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 1(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 1(i) and shall not pay any amount of trust income described in the second sentence of paragraph 1(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.

      3. 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 of my death 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.

    3. Replace paragraph 3, Proration of Unitrust Amount, of the sample trust with the following paragraph:

      Proration of Unitrust Amount.

      1. 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 1(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 1(i) to determine the unitrust amount payable for that year.

      2. 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 1(ii).

DRAFTING INFORMATION

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).