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What is a self-cancelling installment note (SKIN)?

A self-cancelling installment note (SCIN) is a debt instrument that contains a provision which calls for the cancellation of the liability upon the death of the holder during the term of the promissory note.  If you, as the holder of the SCIN, die prior to the expiration of the term of the SCIN, the automatic cancellation feature may operate to remove from your estate a significant amount of assets from what would otherwise be includible.