Charitable Giving
Gifts to qualified charitable organizations are deductible from your gross estate for estate tax purposes. The estate tax charitable deduction is unlimited and available for gifts made to qualified charitable, religious, educational or scientific organizations -- or to any political subdivision of the U.S. government.
Charitable gifts of partial interests in property are generally not deductible; however, charitable remainder trusts are one exception to this rule. Charitable remainder trusts can be structured to provide a lifetime income to the grantor and a donation of the remaining trust property to charity at death. The actuarial value of this "remainder" amount is eligible for a federal income tax charitable deduction at time of trust establishment and for a federal estate tax charitable deduction at time of death.
For other estate planning services (wills and trusts), contact an attorney or other certified professional who specializes in estate planning services.
