what is a grat? A GRAT, or
grantor retained annuity trust, is a financial tool that allows an individual to pass assets to others, usually their children or grandchildren, tax-free. The creator of the trust, known as the “grantor,” puts assets into the trust for a fixed period, and a portion of that principal is returned to the grantor every year. At the end of the term, the original principal is returned to the grantor. The difference between what the grantor should withdraw and the asset growth during the trust period is tax-free and goes to the grantor’s beneficiaries.