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How Energizer Holdings Employees Can Use Intentionally Defective Grantor Trusts (IDGTs) in Estate Planning

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“Energizer Holdings employees reviewing IDGTs can benefit from understanding how these trusts may support long-term legacy planning, although qualified legal and tax professionals should review these strategies to determine whether they fit into their overall goals.” ~ Wesley Boudreaux, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

“Energizer Holdings employees considering an IDGT should recognize how this strategy may support long-term wealth transfer goals, although these structures should be reviewed with qualified legal and tax professionals to determine whether they align with each household’s broader plan.” ~ Patrick Ray, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article, we will discuss:

How intentionally defective grantor trusts (IDGTs) work.
The advantages and potential limitations of using an IDGT.
Key considerations for Energizer Holdings employees evaluating this type of planning strategy.

An irrevocable trust arrangement known as an intentionally defective grantor trust (IDGT) allows the grantor to move assets out of their taxable estate while still being treated as the owner of those assets for income tax purposes. Many people, including Energizer Holdings employees with high-growth or income-producing holdings, may benefit from using this strategy to support long-term wealth preservation.

How an Intentionally Defective Grantor Trust Works

For tax purposes, different kinds of trusts receive different treatment, and understanding the distinctions can help Energizer Holdings professionals review planning strategies more effectively.

Revocable Trusts

In a revocable trust, the grantor is taxed on trust income and is regarded as the owner for income tax purposes. A separate trust income tax return is usually unnecessary. These assets generally remain inside the grantor’s taxable estate because the grantor maintains full control.

Irrevocable Trusts

An irrevocable trust is treated as its own tax entity, filing its own return and taking its own deductions. When properly drafted so the grantor does not retain certain powers or interests, assets transferred to an irrevocable trust are generally removed from the taxable estate, a detail that can matter for Energizer Holdings professionals with substantial savings or investment holdings.

How IDGTs Combine These Features

An IDGT is structured as an irrevocable trust for estate and gift tax purposes, removing assets from the taxable estate, but is treated as a grantor trust for income tax purposes. As long as the grantor pays income taxes on trust earnings, the trust’s assets can grow outside the estate, which may appeal to Energizer Holdings professionals with long-term legacy goals.

Why It’s Called “Intentionally Defective”

The trust is drafted so that, under IRS grantor-trust rules, the grantor remains the owner for income tax purposes due to certain retained powers. At the same time, the trust is irrevocable for estate tax purposes, allowing the assets to remain outside the taxable estate—a structure that may assist with multigenerational planning.

Advantages of an Intentionally Defective Grantor Trust

Because an IDGT is a grantor trust for income tax purposes, the grantor pays income tax on trust earnings. This leads to two important benefits that may interest Energizer Holdings employees with high-value assets:

- Trust assets can grow for beneficiaries without being reduced by income tax payments.
- Income tax paid by the grantor reduces the taxable estate without being classified as a gift.

- This dynamic—where grantors use personal funds to pay taxes that would otherwise reduce trust assets—is often referred to as a “tax burn.”

How Assets Are Transferred to an IDGT

Energizer Holdings employees reviewing wealth transfer strategies may encounter two common approaches:

1. Gift or Partial Gift/Sale

A grantor can move assets to an IDGT as a gift. If the gift stays within the lifetime gift and estate tax exemption, it typically does not create out-of-pocket gift tax. Some planning approaches combine a partial gift with a sale to balance estate goals.

2. Sale to the IDGT

Many grantors sell assets to an IDGT in exchange for a promissory note with an interest rate at or above the IRS Applicable Federal Rate (AFR).

- The sale is typically not treated as a taxable gift if conducted at fair market value.
- Appreciation above the AFR occurs outside the grantor’s estate for beneficiaries.
- When AFR rules and loan requirements are followed, the note is treated as valid consideration and carries an interest obligation.

Potential Drawbacks of an IDGT

Once established, an IDGT is difficult to modify, similar to other irrevocable trusts. Outcomes also depend on the trust assets growing at a rate higher than the AFR. If that does not occur, the intended estate planning benefits may fall short—an important consideration for Energizer Holdings employees reviewing various asset types.

Who Might Consider an IDGT?

An IDGT can be appealing for families facing potential estate tax exposure, especially when transferring assets with strong growth potential. This approach works best when the grantor has sufficient liquidity to continue paying the trust’s income taxes personally, a factor some Energizer Holdings employees review when assessing retirement and estate liquidity. Because the structure requires precise legal drafting, it should be established with qualified legal counsel.

Need Support with IDGTs or Retirement Planning?

The Retirement Group can assist you in reviewing whether an IDGT fits into your broader retirement and estate plan as a Energizer Holdings employee. For guidance tailored to your long-term goals, call us at (800) 900-5867 .

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Sources:

1. BMO Wealth Management. Herman, Brad. Intentionally Defective Grantor Trust. BMO Financial Group, Oct. 2021,
https://uswealth.bmo.com/media/filer_public/8b/3f/8b3f85c6-21b0-407e-bfbf-0f9b181c1673/bwm_idgtarticle_1103.pdf .

2. Fidelity Wealth Management. “What Is an Intentionally Defective Grantor Trust (IDGT)?” Fidelity Viewpoints , 4 Dec. 2025,
https://www.fidelity.com/viewpoints/wealth-management/insights/intentionally-defective-grantor-trusts .

3. Hirtle, Callaghan & Co. Estate Planning With Intentionally Defective Grantor Trusts.
Hirtle, Callaghan & Co., 2020,
https://www.hirtlecallaghan.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Intentionally-Defective-Grantor-Trusts.pdf .

4. Nevada Trust Company. Ford-Grella, Jaclyn. “How Intentionally Defective Grantor Trusts Can Safeguard Assets for Future Generations.” Nevada Trust Company , 10 Dec. 2024,
https://www.nevadatrust.com/how-intentionally-defective-grantor-trusts-can-safeguard-assets-for-future-generations/ .

What type of retirement savings plan does Energizer Holdings offer to its employees?

Energizer Holdings offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

Does Energizer Holdings provide a company match for contributions made to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Energizer Holdings provides a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, subject to specific terms and conditions.

What is the eligibility requirement to participate in the Energizer Holdings 401(k) plan?

Employees of Energizer Holdings are typically eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, as outlined in the plan documents.

Can employees of Energizer Holdings choose how their 401(k) contributions are invested?

Yes, employees at Energizer Holdings can choose from a variety of investment options for their 401(k) contributions.

How does Energizer Holdings ensure that employees are informed about their 401(k) plan options?

Energizer Holdings provides educational materials, workshops, and access to financial advisors to help employees understand their 401(k) plan options.

Is there a vesting schedule for the company match in the Energizer Holdings 401(k) plan?

Yes, there is a vesting schedule for the company match in the Energizer Holdings 401(k) plan, which determines how much of the match employees are entitled to based on their years of service.

What is the maximum contribution limit for the Energizer Holdings 401(k) plan?

The maximum contribution limit for the Energizer Holdings 401(k) plan is in line with IRS guidelines, which may change annually.

Can employees of Energizer Holdings take loans against their 401(k) accounts?

Yes, Energizer Holdings allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) accounts under certain conditions outlined in the plan.

What happens to an employee's 401(k) account if they leave Energizer Holdings?

If an employee leaves Energizer Holdings, they have several options for their 401(k) account, including cashing out, rolling it over to another retirement account, or leaving it in the Energizer Holdings plan if allowed.

Does Energizer Holdings offer any resources for retirement planning?

Yes, Energizer Holdings provides resources and tools for retirement planning, including access to financial advisors and online calculators.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

Energizer Holdings provides its employees with a retirement plan that includes both a pension plan and a 401(k) plan, designed to help employees secure their financial future. The company offers the Energizer Holdings, Inc. Retirement Plan, which has gone through notable changes in recent years. In 2023, Energizer Holdings completed a pension plan annuity buyout, resulting in a $50.2 million recognition of unamortized actuarial losses (Energizer Holdings - Investors). For the 401(k) plan, Energizer Holdings offers a match of up to 6%, where the company matches 100% of employee contributions up to this limit. Employees can also make additional contributions beyond this match, and for employees over 50 years of age, catch-up contributions are available. The 401(k) plan is known to have typical features such as tax-deferral benefits and company contributions

Restructuring and Layoffs: Energizer Holdings has announced a significant restructuring initiative aimed at streamlining operations and reducing costs. This plan includes a reduction in workforce across several departments. The company has stated that these layoffs are necessary to improve efficiency and profitability amidst a challenging economic environment. It is crucial to follow this development due to its potential impact on employees and the overall company strategy in response to current market pressures.

Energizer Holdings offers stock options and RSUs to its executive team and key employees. The company uses the acronym SO for Stock Options and RSU for Restricted Stock Units. Specifics about these benefits are outlined in their annual proxy statements and are updated annually.

Energizer Holdings: Healthcare Benefits Information 1. Company Official Website: Website: Energizer Holdings Careers Healthcare Benefits: Energizer Holdings offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance. They also provide a wellness program that includes various health-related resources and preventive care initiatives. 2. Glassdoor: Website: Glassdoor - Energizer Holdings Benefits Healthcare Benefits: Employees have reported access to standard healthcare benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Glassdoor reviews suggest that the healthcare plan is competitive but varies by location and employee level. 3. Indeed: Website: Indeed - Energizer Holdings Benefits Healthcare Benefits: According to Indeed, Energizer Holdings provides a range of healthcare benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance. The company also offers a health savings account (HSA) and flexible spending accounts (FSA). 4. LinkedIn: Website: LinkedIn - Energizer Holdings Benefits Healthcare Benefits: LinkedIn mentions that Energizer Holdings offers healthcare benefits as part of their overall employee benefits package. Details on specific plans or coverage are not extensively detailed but include basic medical, dental, and vision options. 5. HR & Employee Benefits Websites: Website: Payscale - Energizer Holdings Benefits Healthcare Benefits: Payscale provides information on Energizer Holdings' benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance. They also highlight employee feedback on the quality of these benefits.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Energizer Holdings at 533 Maryville University Dr, Suite 200 St. Louis, MO 63141; or by calling them at (314) 985-2000.

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