8.5 Charitable Giving Strategies - 8.5 Charitable Giving Strategies - 8.5 Charitable Giving Strategies Explained
Key Concepts
- Direct Donations
- Charitable Trusts
- Donor-Advised Funds
- Charitable Remainder Trusts
- Charitable Lead Trusts
- Gifts of Appreciated Securities
- Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)
Direct Donations
Direct Donations involve giving cash or assets directly to a charitable organization. This is the simplest form of charitable giving and provides an immediate tax deduction for the donor. Direct donations can be made through check, credit card, or electronic transfer.
For example, donating $1,000 to a local food bank allows the organization to purchase and distribute food to those in need, and the donor can claim a tax deduction for the donation.
Charitable Trusts
Charitable Trusts are legal arrangements where assets are donated to a trust, which then distributes the income or principal to charitable organizations. There are two main types: Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs) and Charitable Lead Trusts (CLTs). Charitable Trusts provide tax benefits and can be used to support multiple charities over time.
Imagine setting up a trust that pays annual income to a charity for 20 years, after which the remaining assets are distributed to the donor's heirs. This allows the donor to support the charity while also providing for their family.
Donor-Advised Funds
Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) are charitable investment accounts where donors contribute assets, receive an immediate tax deduction, and then recommend grants to charitable organizations over time. DAFs are managed by a sponsoring organization, which handles the administrative details.
Consider a donor who contributes $10,000 to a DAF. They receive an immediate tax deduction and can recommend grants to various charities over the next few years, allowing for strategic and flexible giving.
Charitable Remainder Trusts
Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs) provide income to the donor or a beneficiary for a specified period, after which the remaining assets are distributed to one or more charitable organizations. CRTs offer tax benefits, including an immediate charitable deduction and avoidance of capital gains tax on appreciated assets.
For instance, a donor contributes stock worth $50,000 to a CRT, avoiding capital gains tax. The CRT pays annual income to the donor for 10 years, after which the remaining assets are donated to a charity.
Charitable Lead Trusts
Charitable Lead Trusts (CLTs) provide income to one or more charitable organizations for a specified period, after which the remaining assets are returned to the donor or their heirs. CLTs can reduce estate and gift taxes and provide a lasting legacy to charity.
Imagine a donor who sets up a CLT to pay annual income to a university for 20 years, after which the remaining assets are distributed to the donor's children. This supports the university while also providing for the donor's heirs.
Gifts of Appreciated Securities
Gifts of Appreciated Securities involve donating stocks, bonds, or mutual funds that have increased in value to a charitable organization. This strategy allows the donor to avoid capital gains tax and receive a charitable deduction for the full market value of the donated securities.
For example, donating stock worth $10,000 that was originally purchased for $2,000 allows the donor to avoid paying capital gains tax on the $8,000 gain and claim a $10,000 charitable deduction.
Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)
Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) allow individuals aged 70½ or older to transfer up to $100,000 per year from their IRA directly to a qualified charity. QCDs count towards the required minimum distribution (RMD) and are not included in taxable income, providing tax benefits.
Consider a retiree who must take a $10,000 RMD from their IRA. By making a QCD to a charity, the retiree reduces their taxable income by $10,000 and supports the charity without incurring additional tax liability.