Tag Archives: installment sales of assets

Installment sales of assets to irrevocable grantor trusts is one of the most powerful estate planning techniques available today. Sales to “intentionally defective” irrevocable grantor trusts capitalize on different definitions of “transfer” for income and transfer tax purposes. Following such a sale, the grantor reports income tax on trust income. However, the grantor no longer owns the assets for gift and estate tax purposes. Therefore, the trust assets (and appreciation) will be removed from the grantor’s gross estate. Assets sold to the trust may consist of stock in a closely held business, real estate, marketable securities, or limited partnership interests. The trust may even hold S Corporation stock without jeopardizing the election. Continue reading →