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Advanced Markets Group

W E A LT H T R A N S F E R

SunSolutions For Life SM

The Leveraged Credit Shelter Trust

Financial Situation
Many high net worth clients have developed an estate plan, which includes the creation of a Credit
Shelter Trust (CST). Typically, the CST is set up to remove the “applicable exclusion” amount from
the surviving spouse’s estate and effectively transfer it at the first death for the benefit of the spouse,
children or other heirs. The CST may be set up to provide a lifetime income to the surviving spouse.
If the surviving spouse does not have a need for income from the CST, it may be advantageous to
leverage the trust assets to maximize the amount of wealth transferred to heirs.

Possible Solution

TRANSFER
Consider leveraging a Credit Shelter Trust using life insurance.

Strategy
Transfer of Funds to Trust
Decedent Spouse Credit Shelter Trust
Upon the death of the first spouse, The trustee purchases a life
a Credit Shelter Trust (CST) is funded insurance policy on the life of the
with assets equal to the applicable decedent’s spouse. Depending on
exclusion amount.1 the decedent’s wishes, needs of
the beneficiaries, and financial
underwriting criteria, all or part of
Death of Second Spouse the trust’s corpus and income
may be used to pay for premiums.
The policy’s death benefit will be paid to
the trust and will pass to the beneficiaries
free of federal income and estate taxes.2

Results
The surviving spouse is able to maximize the amount of wealth transferred to heirs.

The applicable exclusion amount is $2,000,000 in 2006 through 2008, increasing to $3,500,000 in 2009, and reverting back to
1

$1,000,000 in 2011 under current law.

Any income earned by the trust as a result of any investment of the death proceeds prior to distribution will be taxable to the
2

trust or the beneficiaries.

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Exp. Date 08/09
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Additional Benefits
Tax-Deferral
The tax-deferral of life insurance reduces trust income taxes.
Flexibility
Flexibility in the life insurance design allows the trust to be fully funded with life insurance or with
a combination of life insurance and non-life insurance assets.
Maximize Transfer of Wealth
Estate taxes are eliminated as the trust receives death proceeds generally income tax-free and
distributes wealth to heirs free of federal income and estate taxes. Any income earned by the trust
as a result of any investment of the death proceeds prior to distribution will be taxable
to the trust or the beneficiaries.
Protection
The trust provides protection from potential creditors, liabilities, or other unforeseen losses of
the surviving spouse.

Strength and Security of Sun Life Financial

To help individuals, small businesses, and corporations plan for and achieve financial security,
Sun Life Financial provides a diverse range of wealth accumulation and protection products
and services. Chartered in 1865, Sun Life Financial and its partners today have operations in key
markets worldwide.

Notes:

This information is for general education of producers and contains references to concepts that have significant legal, accounting
and tax implications. It is not intended as legal, accounting or tax advice. Clients should consult with their own tax advisor regarding the
application of these concepts to any particular situation.
Not FDIC/NCUA insured. May lose value. No bank/credit union guarantee. Not a deposit. Not insured by any federal
government entity.
Universal life insurance is issued by Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (Wellesley Hills, MA) or in New York, Sun Life Insurance
and Annuity Company of New York (New York, NY).
All guarantees are based on the claims-paying ability of the issuing company, Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (Wellesley Hills,
MA), or in New York, Sun Life Insurance and Annuity Company of New York (New York, NY). All are members of the Sun Life Financial
group of companies.
©2008 Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada. All rights reserved. Sun Life Financial and the globe symbol are registered
trademarks of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada.

XMSD 44/243
SLPC 19209 08/08
Exp. Date 08/09
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