“Many people want to leave a gift to a favored charity. However, when they look into the options, they start hearing about complex vehicles with scary names, like net income with makeup charitable remainder unitrust.”
The Jewish News says, in its recent article, “Keeping it (charitable estate planning) simple,” that the most common way to leave money to a charity is with a “bequest.” The assets of a bequest are those you promise to give away, after you pass away. This requires you to create or adjust your will. However, there are other ways of leaving money to your favorite organizations.
We have all heard of making a “pledge” for a fundraiser. It’s a promise to be paid soon thereafter. You can also make a pledge that is payable-on-death. It’s simply a bill that comes due, when your estate is being settled. You have the ability to revoke the pledge when you’re alive. However, at your death, it must be paid by the executor of your estate.
Another way to leave money to a charity without changing your will, is to name a charity as a beneficiary of any financial asset, like an insurance policy, an IRA or a donor advised fund. All you need to do is complete a form that says what should happen when you die. You should retain a copy so that your executor will know where to direct the asset.
Charitable gifts paid directly from your IRA, can give you some terrific tax savings—both during your life and upon your death. Ask your IRA manager to arrange for a charitable beneficiary of your IRA to maximize the tax savings. You can also make charitable IRA distributions from your Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) to your charities, to save the taxes now. However, make sure that the money goes directly from your account to the charity.
A charitable gift annuity is similar to a special bank account that pays you or a designated beneficiary annual guaranteed lifetime income. The rates are based on your age and are typically higher than you can earn with investments. This money is given to your designated charity as a gift, with the residual remaining with the charity when you die.
Speak with an experienced estate planning attorney. He or she will help you to decide which methods are appropriate for you.
Reference: Jewish News (June 21, 2017) “Keeping it (charitable estate planning) simple”
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