End Of Year Giving
As the end of the year approaches, many pause to review, reflect, and
plan. Thoughtfully addressing your charitable giving priorities between
now and December 31 can help assure maximum benefits for you and
your charitable interests.
Carefully considering what to give – and when to give it – can help
increase the impact of your gifts while helping to meet personal
priorities as well.
| Enjoy Tax Savings Federal tax laws and those of many states make it possible to reduce or eliminate taxes on funds you give for charitable purposes. For example, because funds used to make charitable gifts are deducted from the amount otherwise subject to federal income tax when you itemize your deductions, you may be able to give more than you thought possible. The amount and timing of your charitable gifts are totally within your control. This is why each year millions of Americans take advantage of the opportunity to make charitable gifts while also reducing their tax liability. Gifts of Cash While all gifts mailed or otherwise delivered by December 31 qualify for tax deductibility for 2011, gifts of cash or check are the most popular giving methods. Through gifts of cash, it is possible to eliminate or reduce income tax on up to 50% of your adjusted gross income. Larger gifts may result in tax savings in as many as six tax years. Remember, the higher your tax bracket, the more you save. |
Save More When You Give Other Assets Gifts of property such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other appropriate assets that have increased in value since you have owned them can result in extra tax savings. If you have held such assets for longer than a year, you can generally give them and deduct their current value, including any “paper profits,” from your taxable income. Congress has provided that in addition to regular tax savings, you do not have to pay capital gains tax on assets given to charity. This additional tax savings is one reason why some people choose to make their gifts in this way. Gifts of appreciated assets can eliminate tax on up to 30% of your adjusted gross income. The assets that are best to give are those that have increased the most in value and would result in the greatest capital gains tax if sold. Many also choose to give low-yielding assets, resulting in little or no impact on future spendable income. |
If you have investments that have decreased in value since you have owned them, consider selling them and making a deductible gift of the cash proceeds. This creates a loss that you may be able to deduct from other taxable income along with your cash contributions. The amount of your deductible loss combined with the charitable deduction may actually amount to more than the current value of the donated asset. When making a gift of securities, check with your financial services provider to ensure that it is transferred properly and in a timely manner. You should allow additional time for gifts of mutual fund shares or non-publicly traded securities. We will be pleased to assist in this process. Give From Your IRA If you are over the age of 70 1/2, you may want to consider making gifts directly from an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). As part of the Pension Protection Act of 2006, Congress has made it possible to make tax-free charitable gifts from your IRA. Giving in this way assures that these funds will never be subject to income or estate tax. This may make it possible to give more at the same or lower cost than in the past. |
Leaving a Legacy Toward the end of each year, many people also review their long range estate and financial plans. Wills, life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and other planning vehicles can offer exceptional opportunities for leaving a lasting legacy to charitable interests. There are also ways to provide for meaningful future gifts while generating income, immediate income tax savings, and other benefits today. Act Now for Greatest Benefit As the year draws to a close, act now to make certain you have accomplished your charitable goals for 2011. Remember that time spent deciding what, when, and how to best make your gifts can result in maximum tax savings and other financial benefits. Please contact us if we can be of assistance in any way. Your accountant or other advisors can provide you with more information specific to your needs. |
