Linda spent fifteen years working for non-profits organizations planning tax-wise giving, and now encourages and assists her clients who choose to support charitable causes with charitable planning . In addition to the many personal rewards inherent in making a charitable gift, most gifts also provide a current charitable income tax deduction. Some also can save capital gains taxes, increase income, and provide you, or whomever you designate, with an income for life. Additionally, these types of gifts may provide an estate tax deduction — an important consideration in planning your estate.
There are many different ways to participate in charitable planning:
- A charitable remainder trust or a charitable gift annuity will give you an immediate income tax deduction, a lifetime stream of income, and a deferral of capital gains taxes owed on contributed property.
- A charitable lead trust creates an income stream to charity for a term of years with the remainder of the trust going to your children with minimized estate and gift tax consequences.
- A donor advised fund allows you to maximize your income tax savings and the freedom to control timing and amounts given of your gifts.
An often overlooked benefit of charitable planning is the passing of an ethical and moral legacy of giving to children, grandchildren and beyond.