For many of us, philanthropy can provide great personal satisfaction. However, when properly planned for, charitable giving can provide financial benefits both today (as an income tax deduction and/or capital gains tax shelter) and in the future (when the amount of taxes your estate may owe when you die can be reduced).
There are many ways to give to charity. A common vehicle for many families is a charitable trust, where a charity is named as the sole beneficiary. You may name a non-charitable beneficiary as well, splitting the beneficial interest (this is referred to as making a partial charitable gift). The most common types of trusts used to make partial gifts to charity are the charitable lead trust and the charitable remainder trust.
What is a charitable lead trust?
A charitable lead trust pays income to a charity for a certain period of years, and then the trust principal passes back to you, your family members, or other heirs. The trust is known as a charitable lead trust because the charity gets the first, or lead, interest. A charitable lead trust can be an excellent estate planning vehicle if you own assets that you expect will substantially appreciate in value. If created properly, a charitable lead trust allows you to keep an asset in the family and still enjoy some tax benefits.
SOURCE: Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc. Copyright 2017
What is a charitable remainder trust?
A charitable remainder trust is the mirror image of the charitable lead trust. Trust income is payable to you, your family members, or other heirs for a period of years, then the principal goes to your favorite charity. A charitable remainder trust can be beneficial because it provides you with a stream of current income — a desirable feature if there won’t be enough income from other sources.
SOURCE: Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc. Copyright 2017
Note: There are expenses and fees associated with the creation of a trust. Please speak to your financial and/or tax professional to understand the cost and tax implications of your particular giving situation.