What to Know About Leaving Money to Grandchildren in a Trust
When planning for the future, many people want to leave a lasting gift for their grandchildren. One way to do that is by creating a trust that sets aside part of your estate just for them. But did you know that gifts to grandchildren can come with a special tax?
It’s called the Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax (or GST tax), and it’s something worth understanding as part of a thoughtful estate plan.
What Is the GST Tax?
The GST tax is a federal tax that applies when you leave money or property to someone who’s more than one generation younger than you — like a grandchild. It was created to prevent people from skipping over their children to avoid estate taxes.
This tax is separate from and in addition to regular gift or estate taxes. The current rate? A steep 40%.
So How Do People Avoid It?
Thankfully, the IRS allows you to pass a certain amount to younger generations tax-free — this is called the GST exemption. In 2025, that amount is $13.99 million per person.
People often use this exemption to protect gifts left in trust for grandchildren. When handled correctly, this means a grandchild can benefit from a trust without the trust being taxed again later on.
Why Use a Trust?
Leaving money outright to a young beneficiary might not be the best idea — they might not be ready for that responsibility. A trust allows you to:
- Set age-based or purpose-based rules for distributions
- Protect the funds from creditors or poor spending decisions
- Preserve wealth for multiple generations
The Key: Allocating the GST Exemption
If a trust is being set up for a grandchild, it’s important that someone — usually the estate’s executor — formally applies the GST exemption. This is done by filing the right tax forms after someone passes away.
When that step is missed, future distributions from the trust could face the 40% GST tax.
Final Thoughts
Leaving something meaningful for your grandchildren can be a beautiful part of your legacy. Trusts can offer structure and protection, and with proper planning, they can also preserve more wealth for your family by avoiding unnecessary taxes.
While this blog is for general information only, you should talk with an estate planning professional about the best way to structure your wishes.
Want to learn more about trusts or family-focused planning strategies? We’re here to help guide you through it.