Master Trust

Interment Trust Services

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This page is a guide to:

• Selecting A Master Trust Program

• Evaluating Future Business Needs

• ​Understanding The ITS Master Trust Program

The Master Trust Program
Interment Trust Services offers a full-service Master Trust Program that provides participating funeral homes with the services needed for offering before-need funeral preplanning packages. The program features federal and state regulation compliance, participant record keeping, professional management, monthly reporting and flexibility. The ITS program is designed to assist funeral directors in meeting their business and investment challenges. The principals have 50 years of combined experience in master trust program development and trust management within the death care industry.
Interment Trust Services
Interment Trust Services was established in 1967 to service the trust needs of the interment industry. The Interment Trust Services Master Trust Program is designed to offer a complete and relatively safe trust program for the participating funeral home. Victor Chigas and Richard Konst are the managing Directors of the Master Trust Program. With their combined experience of 50 years, an in-depth knowledge of the death care industry has been developed to meet the needs of each participating funeral home. Major responsibilities of Interment Trust Services include the management of deposits and withdrawals of trusted funds, the generation of reports, tax work and accounting.

The Operating Procedures
Interment Trust Services has standardized formats for establishing new participant accounts, receiving deposits and distributing funds from the master trust to pay for the services performed. The participating funeral director may contact Interment Trust Services for a current participant value. These established procedures expedite the flow of information between the participating funeral home and Interment Trust Services.

Relationships
ITS maintains trust relationships with funeral directors nationally. The Master Trust Program has long been recognized as being dependable and has been operational since 1983. ITS takes pride in its personal and professional involvement with the clients of the Master Trust Program.

Services Provided
ITS provides a host of services to funeral directors:*
*Some services may not be provided in all states.
An independent accounting firm audits ITS for internal controls and policies.

• Easily Implemented Operating Procedures
• Investment ManagementMonthly Partner Valuation Summary
  •  deposits and withdrawals
  •  optional data exchange via email
• Online Trust Account Information Including Participant Values & Monthly Reports
• Federal and State Tax Filing
• Receipts to Families
• Service Agreements
• State Reports
• Toll-Free Telephone and Fax Number
• Knowledgeable Staff

Investments
Assets are safely invested based on the "Prudent Man" standard as well as in accordance with your state statute. The Interment Trust Services investment philosophy remains conservative and has been consistent in providing returns exceeding annual inflation rates. Trust assets are invested in Government Bonds and Bonds backed by U.S. Government Agencies or legally qualifying investments governed by your state statute. Funds placed in the master trust will be deposited at a bank or trust company and/or qualified escrow agent registered to transact business in your state.
Account and Tax Preparation
Accounting and tax issues are reviewed by a certified public accounting firm. In conjunction with Interment Trust Services, the accounting firm provides state and federal tax filings, reviews current tax laws and answers any Internal Revenue Service correspondence. Interment Trust Services uses this necessary information in preparation of federal and state tax filings. An annual audit is conducted of the internal accounting controls for Interment Trust Services in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards.

Legal Counsel
Interment Trust Services uses in-house legal counsel and utilizes various law firms recognized as qualified to render opinions concerning funeral industry issues. The law firms assist Interment Trust Services in reviewing information involving the Master Trust Programs.

Endorsements
Interment Trust Services is endorsed by numerous state associations and an international funeral directors association.
Access Financial Group, Inc.
Access Financial Group, Inc. (Access) is a full-service registered broker/dealer and investment advisor. ITS is a division of Access. Through Access, a host of additional benefits are made available to the clients of the Master Trust Program.
Access specializes in:

• Personal Investments
• Asset Management
• Retirement Plan Administration
• Trust Management

For more information contact:
Access Financial Group, Inc.
Interment Trust Service Division
118 N. Clinton Street, Suite 350
Chicago, IL 60661
(800) 487-8220