Gifts That Reduce Your Taxes

Cash is the simplest asset to donate and the quickest way to make an immediate impact for [Organization]. If you want to further our work today and claim the entire amount of your gift as a charitable income tax deduction, consider a gift of cash. Make your gift online, via a check or money order, or with a wire transfer.

When you give securities (stocks, bonds, mutual funds), you may be eligible for a double tax benefit: 1) You receive an income tax deduction for the full, present, fair market value of the assets and 2) you may completely avoid capital gains tax on the appreciation of the assets. This is one of the easiest gifts to give and one of the most useful in accomplishing your philanthropic goals. 

When you redeem savings bonds, you will owe income tax on the appreciation. So will the person who inherits them. You can eliminate the income tax on bonds you plan to redeem by donating them to {ORGANIZATION}. Because {ORGANIZATION} is tax-exempt, 100 percent of your gift of savings bonds will go to supporting our shared mission to {MISSION LANGUAGE}.

You can transfer funds from your IRA directly to ORGANIZATION NAME. This is an effective way to have an immediate impact and ensure our work of…. {continue copy here}. Here’s how it works:

• You must be 70 ½ or older.
• Your gift must be transferred directly from the IRA account to ORGANIZATION NAME.
• Your gift is a transfer of funds from your IRA to ORGANIZATION NAME so it does not create taxable income for you.
• You may transfer up to a total of $100,000 per year (individual) or $200,000 (married couple).
• If you are 72 years old or older, the transfer of funds counts towards your annual Required Minimum Distribution from your IRA.

If you’re interested in this popular way to support ORGANIZATION NAME, download a sample letter for your IRA administrator here.

Naming {ORGANIZATION} as a beneficiary of your retirement account can be an attractive option for creating your legacy and reducing income and possibly estate taxes for your loved ones. 

Because retirement plans are taxed differently than most assets, they may become a tax liability. Income taxes to your beneficiaries on retirement assets can be as high as 37%. This means, for example, that a $100,000 IRA will be worth only $63,000 when it gets to your loved ones.

Since {ORGANIZATION} is tax-exempt and eligible to receive the full amount of the retirement plan, there are no income taxes generated. This means, for example, that a $100,000 IRA given to {ORGANIZATION} will be worth the full $100,000.

If you’re interested in this popular way to support {ORGANIZATION}, view sample beneficiary designation language here.

Transfer ownership now:

To make an impact on our mission today, irrevocably designate {ORG} as owner and beneficiary of an existing life insurance policy. If your policy is paid up, you will receive an immediate income tax deduction based on the policy value.

If your policy is not yet paid up, you will make contributions of cash to {ORG} to cover future premium payments. For any continuing premium payments you make, you will receive a charitable deduction in the year of the payment.

Name us as a beneficiary:

You can name {ORGANIZATION} as a beneficiary of all or a portion of your life insurance policy. With this gift arrangement, {ORGANIZATION} will receive the proceeds of your policy when you pass away. You can change your beneficiary at any time and may reduce your estate taxes.

This gift is easy to arrange — simply request a beneficiary designation form from your plan administrator.

A gift of artwork, coins, antiques, or other personal property can be an excellent way to support {ORGANIZATION}. The tax benefits of the gift depend on whether {ORGANIZATION} can use the property in a way that is related to its mission. Contact us to learn more about this type of gift — we would be happy to help you find the option that best fits your philanthropic goals.