Retirement can be a time for reflection when many individuals look for ways to give back to their communities and make a difference in the world. Charitable giving can be a powerful way to do so, but it can also come with financial complexities. Retirees looking to make the most of their philanthropic efforts should consider using tax-friendly charitable giving strategies.
One of the most straightforward ways to maximize the impact of your giving is to make charitable donations directly from your individual retirement account (IRA). This strategy, known as a qualified charitable distribution (QCD), allows you to make tax-free gifts from your IRA directly to eligible charities, up to a limit of $100,000 per year. Not only does this help reduce your taxable income, but it also satisfies your required minimum distributions (RMDs), which you must take from your IRA beginning at age 72.
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Another strategy to consider is making charitable contributions through a donor-advised fund (DAF). A DAF functions as a charitable giving account, allowing you to make tax-deductible contributions and make grants to charities over time. With a DAF, you receive an immediate tax benefit for your contribution, while also retaining the flexibility to distribute your gifts as you see fit.
Retirees can also benefit from using a charitable lead trust, which allows them to provide income to a charity for a specified period of time, with the remaining assets going to their beneficiaries. This strategy can be especially beneficial for retirees who are looking to reduce the impact of estate taxes and pass on assets to their heirs.
Finally, consider giving appreciated securities, such as stocks or mutual funds, rather than cash according to Umaryland.edu. By doing so, you can take advantage of the tax benefits of giving and avoid paying capital gains taxes on the appreciated assets.
Charitable giving is a wonderful way for retirees to give back to their communities and make a difference in the world. By taking advantage of tax-friendly strategies, such as making gifts from your IRA, using a DAF, establishing a charitable lead trust, or giving appreciated securities, retirees can benefit from tax savings while making a positive impact.
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