We may be at the break of a new dawn for charitable remainder unitrusts (CRUTs).CRUTs exploded in popularity in the 1990s, driven in part by financial advisors who recommended CRUTs as a way to shelter donors from significant capital gains tax while enhancing cash flow and supporting their favorite charity. Then capital gains tax rates dropped, the stock market went south, and CRUT activity soon slowed. Now, stronger incentives for high income donors to contribute appreciated assets to fund a CRUT are back.
PG Calc is a Massachusetts-based consulting firm that provides services such as foundation management and gift administration for charities and non-profit organizations.