They paid a lower fee with the understanding that a portion would not be refunded to their heirs.

WSJ: Luxury Retirement Living: A New Senior Moment

So-called grantor-retained annuity trusts, or GRATs, let people give a portion of an asset's future profits to heirs tax-free.

WSJ: Family Value: New Hazards for Estate Plans

It works like this: You and your spouse give a portion of your house, say 10% each, to a trust established for your heirs.

FORBES: Passing Down The House