Charitable Giving, Taxes, Trusts, Stocks, and more.
Americans have a proud tradition of charitable giving. From the hours volunteered, to the Camo Classic, to individual giving, United Heroes League understands first hand and is grateful for the giving of proud Americans.
When you choose to give to United Heroes League, you have the opportunity to help military families while earning the ability to reduce your taxes. In fact, the federal government encourages charitable giving through a variety of tax incentives. Opportunities exist, even under the new tax law of 2017, to reduce your income tax, capital gains tax, and/or estate taxes. Gifts other than cash may allow you to make larger contributions to United Heroes League while enjoying a greater tax benefit to yourself.
Whether you are of modest means or in the wealthiest segment of our great nation, many different strategies are options as part of your financial or estate plan. Here are some ways to think beyond “cash” to pass on your values and legacy to the next generation, while supporting the mission of United Heroes League!
Gifts – Cash and Non-Cash Assets.
Cash donation is the easiest and most obvious way to give to United Heroes League. This type of donation is tax deductible in the year the contribution is made. It may reduce the amount of income tax due. There are limitations based on your Adjusted Gross Income so, please consult a financial professional for more information. Don’t have one, let us know, we can refer one!
Gifts of noncash assets (think stocks, bonds, property, etc.) may also be donated. This is a great strategy because the end result may be a larger donation to United Heroes League and tax benefit to you. When you donate a non-cash asset, you are entitled to the full fair market value tax deduction at the time of your gift. Additionally, direct donation of these assets may also eliminate capital gains taxes.
Contact us to find out if this could work for you.
Non-cash assets may include:
• Stocks
• Bonds
• Mutual fund shares
• Life insurance
• Private or restricted company stock
• Shares of a privately owned business
• Real estate
Note $6,000 more to the charity and $2,220 in tax deduction when donating the asset directly
*Assume married couple, filing jointly, and itemizing their taxes at the federal level. This does not take into account state, local or alternative minimum tax.
Life Insurance is also a non-cash asset worth discussing. You may work with United Heroes League to purchase a policy or gift an existing policy. When you purchase a policy, you can cost effectively make a gift far larger than you ever thought possible. United Heroes League receives the full benefit of the policy when you die or may be able to access the cash value of the policy for current needs.
In the gift of an existing policy, the donor may deduct the value of the policy on the date of transfer. For income tax deduction purposes, the value is the cost basis of the policy (premiums paid). Once United Heroes League owns the policy and is the beneficiary, all future premiums you pay to the charity are tax deductible as cash gifts
Bequeathed Gifts:
Simply put, these are gifts that occur after the donor dies through a Will or Testamentary Trust. These gifts (called testamentary gifts) are eligible for an unlimited estate charitable deduction. There are two common ways to do this: Wills and Life Insurance.
In your Will or Testamentary Trust, you can leave a flat dollar amount, a percentage, a specific gift or asset (like art, coins, stocks, etc.), or a contingent bequest. Gifting in this manner allows for flexibility (i.e. you can change your will), has tax benefits and acknowledges your legacy to the causes important you. Additionally, this mechanism is very efficient. Your wishes are expressed clearly and eases the settlement of your estate.
Another possibility for a bequeathed gift includes provisions for charities through beneficiary designations of living trusts, life insurance proceeds, or retirement plan assets that may remain at death. As the beneficiary of a life insurance policy, your estate receives a charitable estate tax deduction.
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Fed Tax ID # 27-0711063