Assets which have increased in value (and are held for over one year) are beneficial gifting alternatives, since the donor receives a double tax benefit. One can usually deduct the fair market value of the gifted asset, and also avoid a potential capital gain tax. For some individuals, an additional benefit is the removal of the asset from the estate taxation.
Appreciated Stock and Securities
Many individuals have investment assets which are worth more than their original cost. These assets, which include listed securities, mutual funds or closely-held business interests, are excellent candidates for lifetime giving.
Real Estate
Farms, commercial and residential properties and "second homes" have often appreciated in value since they were purchased or inherited. Additionally, building depreciation deductions lower the owner’s cost basis, creating additional tax liabilities when the asset is sold. For these reasons, real estate gifts are often considered by well-advised donors.
Personal Property
Examples of such gifts include automobiles, art, stamp collections and the like. As with real estate and closely-held business interests, there are appraisal requirements for larger gifts of personal property.
Life Insurance
Often, individuals find that they no longer need the protection afforded by an "old" policy and will gift the policy to a charitable organization. Alternatively, one can purchase a new policy and donate it to charity.
LIFE-INCOME AGREEMENTS
These plans are available to donors who desire to make an irrevocable gift during their lifetime. Such an agreement will benefit one or more charities at their death (or at a specified future date), while the donor (and/or other beneficiary(s)) usually retains the right to an income stream during one or more lifetimes. Life-income agreements are often funded with highly appreciated assets (worth more than their cost) such as real estate or stock. Potential benefits to donors include increased income, income tax deductions, avoidance and/or deferral of capital gains tax, and estate tax relief.
Charitable Gift Annuity
The donor transfers an asset to a charity and in return receives fixed annuity payments for one or two lifetimes. The income beneficiary(s) is selected by the donor. Most charities use a percentage rate for payouts (based on age) suggested by the American Council on Gift Annuities. These rates are more favorable to elderly individuals, yet protect the interest of charities. Donors receive an income tax deduction for a portion of the value of the gifted asset. In addition, the income beneficiary(s) receives partially tax-free income for a period of years and the donor receives capital gain benefits if the gift is funded with appreciated property.
A variation of this gifting method is the deferred gift annuity. Here, the income payments begin in a later year, typically with a higher return rate. Often, donors choose to defer their income until retirement age.
Charitable Remainder Trust
Donors make a substantial irrevocable gift to a trust that they have established and the selected beneficiary(s) receives annual payouts in either a fixed amount or an amount based on a fixed percentage of the year-end value of the trust assets. Selected charities typically receive the trust assets either upon the death(s) of the income beneficiary(s) or after a selected term of years. Some donors utilize part of the additional income they receive from the trust (as well as tax savings) to purchase life insurance to benefit family members, thereby replacing the gifted asset.
LEAVING A LEGACY
Many donors make revocable (can be changed) commitments to charitable organizations. The donor receives no income tax advantages from such gifts. However, estate tax benefits may occur for those donors who wish to maintain control over their assets until they are directed to charities at their death.
Bequests
It is important that we all maintain an up-to-date will or living trust, directing the disposition of assets at our death. Many Americans leave a portion of the assets to charities as their final act of philanthropy. It is possible to favor charities with a specific asset, a fixed dollar amount or a percentage of the "residual value" of one’s estate.
Beneficiary Designations
Various assets may be directed at death through means which avoid probate. Retirement accounts, life insurance proceeds, financial accounts and other assets can be distributed through beneficiary designation. Changing beneficiary designations to include charities (all or in part) represents a compelling way to direct one’s assets for the public good, without amending one’s will.
Beneficiary designations on retirement plans (IRAs, 401(k)s, etc.) allow individuals to give charity all or a portion of their retirement funds at death. It is also possible to name a charitable remainder trust to receive retirement fund assets and name one’s spouse as the trust’s income beneficiary. In either case, the donor has directed to charity an asset on which his or her heirs would have been subject to income taxation in future years.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: The concepts described herein are intended to provide information of a general nature only. They should not be construed as legal, tax and/or financial advice. Readers are urged to consult with their own professional advisors for their specific situations.
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WHY WE ASK FOR YOUR SUPPORT
Luther Memorial Home is a licensed 99 bed skilled nursing home which has been operating since 1961. Attached to our nursing home is a licensed assisted living facility called Sun Center and Sun Center South. These are 25 apartments which were built in 1984 and in 2000.
Luther Memorial Home is affiliated with the ELCA and is owned by 16 Lutheran congregations. Luther Memorial Home serves as a tangible expression of God's love by responding to the needs of the aging ever mindful of the worth and dignity of the individual. We address ourselves in both traditional and innovative ways to meet the needs of the aged who are best served in a residential setting. We seek to minister to the whole person offering progressive care from retirement housing to skilled nursing care.
Our goal at Luther Memorial Home is to build financial reserves that will keep us financially viable. Your gifts are important and will help in achieving this goal. If you are interested in giving to Luther Memorial Home feel free to contact Brett Ulrich, Administrator, at 750 Main Street East, Mayville N.D. 58257 or call 701-788-3401 or 701-786-3401. Our email address is LMH@Polarcomm.com.
PLEASE THINK OF LMH IN YOUR PLANNING
Luther Memorial Home relies on bequests and beneficiary designations so that it can continue to confidently look to the future. You can name Luther Memorial Home as a beneficiary of an insurance policy, financial account or retirement plan, thereby leaving a legacy without changing your will. An example of a charitable bequest favoring our organization is as follows:
I hereby bequeath and devise $______, or ______% out of my residuary estate for the use of Luther Memorial Home, Mayville, ND.
Gifts to Luther Memorial Home are tax-deductible under federal income tax law.
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