During this holiday season, we feel it may be helpful to review some ideas for year-end giving. Two studies conducted at the University of Chicago and Northwestern University found that giving to others makes us happier than giving to ourselves. To help you share this joy, here are some ideas for year-end giving, although there’s no need to wait. Generosity doesn’t have a deadline.
Write a Check or Donate Items
You choose the recipient and how much to give. You may also receive tax benefits. In 2022, if you itemize your charitable giving, the CARES Act allows you to deduct up to 60% of your adjusted gross income in cash contributions. Even if you don’t itemize, the CARES Act still works in your favor with an above-the-line deduction for cash contributions up to $600 (married filing jointly). Keep in mind that gifts to Donor Advised Funds and private foundations do not qualify for this particular deduction.
Volunteer
Donate your time to get an insider’s view of an organization, its people and its practices. If you still prefer to limit in-person interactions, consider opportunities that support social distancing (like drive-by food collections, for example) or allow you to give back remotely (such as mentoring or tutoring via video chat).
Qualified Charitable Distribution
Traditional IRA owners can make required distributions directly to qualified charitable organizations. The money is excluded from adjusted gross income, potentially reducing your income taxes.
Donate Appreciated Securities
Receive an immediate tax deduction for the current value of the stock and avoid capital gains tax on the appreciated portion of its value. Gifts also have the potential to reduce estate taxes. Gifts of securities are deductible up to 30% of your adjusted gross income, depending on where they’re directed.
Explore a Life Policy
One option is to transfer ownership to a loved one or charitable organization. Pay gift tax on a percentage of the policy’s value at the time of transfer, but when it’s ultimately distributed, the payout won’t be taxed as part of your estate.
Or, consider gifting property to an organization of your choice and then using tax savings to fund a life insurance policy to “replace” the gifted property or to benefit other beneficiaries.
Donor Advised Funds (DAFs)
Create a de facto family foundation with no legal expenses or administrative and tax reporting requirements. Deduct contributions immediately, and recommend distributions to your favorite charities when you’re ready. The account can be invested and grow tax-free.
Special 529 Plan Provision
Through “accelerated gifting” – a larger, upfront investment – you can contribute up to five years’ worth of gifts at one time per beneficiary. Like any gift, individuals can give up to $16,000 per beneficiary; a couple can give $32,000. (Please note: If the donor doesn’t survive the five-year period, a prorated amount reverts back to the donor’s taxable estate.)
Additional Options
Consider naming a charity or donor advised fund as the beneficiary of your qualified retirement account assets. Because these assets are potentially subject to both income taxes and future estate taxes, you could significantly reduce future tax obligations by gifting “double-tax” assets to charity.
While in conversation with your financial, tax and legal professionals, the other strategies you may consider include charitable gift annuities, pooled income funds, charitable remainder trusts and charitable lead trusts. Bottom line is to work together with your financial team and develop a charitable strategy that fits you and your objectives.
Tom King CFP®, CLU®, AEP® is Registered Principal of King Financial Partners goKFP.com at 222 Blue Course Drive, State College, PA. King Financial is a team of credentialed professionals specializing in retirement, investment management, wealth transfer, and estate planning. Tom can be reached at Tom@goKFP.com or (814) 234-3300.
Please note, changes in tax laws or regulations may occur at any time and could substantially impact your situation. While familiar with the tax provisions of the issues presented herein. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional.
Sources: Raymond James Commentary and Insights Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC.© 2021 Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. King Financial Partners is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.
