Intentionally Defective Grantor Trust (IDGT): Pay the Income Tax, Freeze the Estate Tax in 2026
An IDGT is 'defective' for income tax on purpose — the grantor pays the trust's income tax so assets grow untouched for heirs — yet fully effective for estate tax, moving those assets out of the taxable estate. This 2026 guide explains the income-tax vs estate-tax split, the installment sale to an IDGT (estate freeze), why paying the tax is an extra tax-free gift, how it compares to a GRAT and SLAT, the risks, and when it fits.