How can a planned gift reduce my estate taxes?
Can I receive tax free income from a life income gift?
How can I maximize my immediate income tax deduction from a gift?
How can a gift maximize my tax deduction, and avoid capital gains?
How do I anticipate the size of my tax deduction for a particular type of gift?
Can I make a gift that is deductible now and increase my retirement income?

How can a planned gift reduce my estate taxes?

Charitable bequests in wills are 100% deductible for estate tax purposes, though they don’t generate charitable deductions during your life. When a life income gift or an outright gift is made, the transfer is irrevocable, so the total value of the gift is immediately removed from your taxable estate; since you are no longer the owner of the donated asset, there is nothing to be taxed.

Can I receive tax free income from a life income gift?

Maybe. If your life income gift is funded with cash or high-basis property, the income from a charitable remainder trust or a gift annuity can be largely tax free. Unfortunately, income from the Personal Income Fund is fully taxable.

How can I maximize my immediate income tax deduction from a gift?

Outright gifts are 100% deductible. Life income gift deductions are smaller, but choosing a plan which pays you less income, or choosing a term-of-years rather than a life income trust, can increase the deduction substantially. You can also space your life income gifts over several years to lengthen the period over which you can carry over deductions.

How can a gift maximize my tax deduction, and avoid capital gains?

Give highly appreciated securities or real estate. Deductions for these gifts are based on current fair market values, but the capital gains you have accumulated over the years are generally not subject to capital gains taxes at all.

How do I anticipate the size of my tax deduction for a particular type of gift?

In general, outright gifts are deductible at full fair market value at the time they are delivered to the charity -- some special rules apply to determining the delivery date of securities. The Planned Giving Office has software which can calculate deductions for life income gifts, which are always less than full value. You should request an illustration before making your commitment.

Can I make a gift that is deductible now and increase my retirement income?

Yes. If you’re already retired, see the answer to the previous question; if not, a deferred payment gift annuity (in which you make the gift now and wait to begin receiving the income at a time in the future you select) can accomplish both of these goals.