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The primary benefit of CSTs is that the surviving spouse can use the trust's principal and income during the remainder of their lifetime, for example, for medical or educational expenses. The remaining assets then pass to the beneficiaries and are not subject to estate taxes.
A credit shelter trust (CST) is a trust created after the death of the first spouse in a married couple. Assets placed in the trust are generally held apart from the estate of the surviving spouse, so they may pass tax-free to the remaining beneficiaries at the death of the surviving spouse.
Upon the death of the surviving spouse, the trust transfers to the heirs, who are exempt from the estate tax that would have resulted from a combined inheritance. Disadvantages of a CST include formation costs and the surviving spouse's lack of control.
When the credit shelter trust is initially funded upon the death of one spouse, the assets that are placed under the trust receive a step-up in basis. This is an important consideration, because any assets held in a CST don't receive a second step-up in basis upon the death of the surviving spouse.
Example of a Credit Shelter Trust Because these assets were held in the trust outside of the wife's control, her taxable estate is still valued at $6 million and still within the estate tax exemption. Thus, she can pass on her assets to her children without paying an estate tax when she dies.