IRS PLR: Beneficiary's Transfer of Share of IRA to Trust is not a Transfer for Income Tax Purposes

According to an IRS PLR, a transfer of a disabled beneficiary's share of decedent's IRA to an intended special needs trust created a grantor trust and is not a transfer for federal income tax purposes. Trustee-guardian may calculate annual distributions based on the life expectancy of beneficiary.

This Private Letter Ruling, PLR 200620025, was referenced by Vincent Russo in his Nov. 14, 2006, conference call on "Tax Benefits & Traps in a Special Needs Practice."