An Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT) is, as the name suggests, an irrevocable trust that, once created, generally cannot be changed or rescinded. An ILIT allows an insurance policy to be held in a trust so that the policy proceeds will not be included in the settlor’s taxable estate. In order for the settlor to receive the full tax advantages offered by an ILIT, he cannot name himself or his spouse as the trustee. An individual may contribute monies annually to the ILIT to pay the premiums on the life insurance policy held in the trust and, depending on the amount of those contributions, they may be made tax-free. Upon the death of the settlor, or the settlor and spouse, the life insurance policy’s proceeds are paid to the trust. The trustee then distributes that money to the beneficiaries as outlined by the terms of the trust.

The use of any trust for estate planning purposes ultimately will depend on a variety of factors, including the size and complexity of the estate, the need to avoid taxes, and the settlor’s desire to distribute assets outright or in trust. In cases where it is desirable to keep the proceeds from a life insurance policy outside the taxable estate, the use of an ILIT may be appropriate.

The above article is an excerpt from Estate Planning in Arizona: What You Need to Know, 2nd Edition (Wheatmark, 2019), by Donald A. Loose, republished with the author’s permission.

Disclaimer: Laws change constantly. Specific legal advice should be obtained regarding any legal matter. The information contained on this website does not constitute legal advice and no attorney-client relationship is created. 

Have any questions about this topic?
We’re ready to listen.

Related Content

7 Reasons to Update Your Estate Plan

Your estate plan is not a “set-and-forget” kind of strategy. There are certain life events and circumstances that warrant your updating this important set of documents.

Why You Need an Estate Plan

Planning for our own death is not something that tends to thrill most of us. It is difficult to face our own mortality.

What is Estate Planning?

What comes to mind when you see the words estate planning?

Informal Probate – Administration of Estates Outside of Court

In many cases, probate is a quick and efficient way to transfer the assets of a person who has died (the “decedent”) to his heirs. About 10,000 probate cases are filed each year in the state of Arizona.

Special Purpose Trusts – 2 Most Common Forms

A trust is a legal entity that is created and holds title to assets during the life of the person who places assets inside the trust

Explore All Articles by Practice Area:

Don Loose Author
Lawyer | Loose Law Group | View My Profile

Donald A. Loose is an Arizona attorney, and the author of Arizona Laws 101: A Handbook for Non-Lawyers, and Estate Planning in Arizona: What You Need to Know.  Mr. Loose is a regular guest on radio shows featuring local newsmaker interviews. He may be contacted at don@looselawgroup.com.