When using TrusTerminator, information specific to an individual session is entered in the TrusTerminator Enter Merge Information area, accessed from the Generation menu. Data gathered in this section is automatically accessed by the system for use in the documents and correspondence generated by TrusTerminator. In addition, information utilized when filing the federal estate tax return and other pertinent information may be entered, providing you with one location to enter and maintain your core data.

Setup Tab
Basic data for the trust termination, such as terminology preferences, the identity of the drafter, and notary information, is entered on the Setup tab of the Enter Merge Information section. In many cases, a TrusTerminator session may correspond to an existing revocable trust session. Information from that session may be imported into a trust termination session using the "Import from Revocable Trust" option.

In addition, the system offers the choice between a formal and a personal style of wording in the trust termination correspondence. The personal style includes condolences and references to the trustee’s and beneficiaries’ relationship with the decedent. The formal language may be more appropriate when a close personal relationship did not exist between the trustee and the decedent.

Decedent Information Tabs
Personal information for the decedent and the decedent’s spouse (if applicable) is entered on the Decedent Information tabs. Entering data such as the date of death allows the system to calculate other important dates which will be carried into appropriate documents and correspondence. Other information, such as employment data, may be gathered here and will be brought into other areas when needed.

Trust Information Tab
This tab gathers information about trust provisions, including the trust name and trust tax I.D. number, accounting and compensation provisions, trustee mailing information, and survivorship period. Some information on this screen may be automatically inserted if the Import feature on the Setup tab was used.

Additional information for beneficiaries (both outright beneficiaries and testamentary trusts) and successor trustees is gathered on this tab. Guardian information may be entered where appropriate, as well as beneficiary and trustee information for testamentary trusts.

The Summary of Property Distribution button takes you to the Session Journal feature of TrusTerminator, where a description of the plan of distribution may be entered, providing you with an easy-to-locate reference of the basic plan.

Critical Dates
This tab creates a central location to capture dates critical to the trust termination. The software automatically calculates the number of days remaining from the current date before expiration of the deadlines, including tax return filing deadlines, disclaimer deadlines, deadlines in regard to options to purchase, and other critical dates to be inserted as you choose. Two "Other" fields are included, giving you the option of inserting additional dates to be remembered.

Other
This screen provides an area to gather pertinent information, such as other procedures required, whether federal gift tax returns were ever filed, the location of a safe deposit box, and provisions of the pourover will and community property agreement. Although this information is not incorporated by TrusTerminator in generating correspondence and documents, it is nevertheless useful in spotting issues and determining necessary procedures.