Your retirement fund will be included in taxable income if passed on to heirs but can pass to charities without taxation. Leaving your remaining retirement assets to the Animal Allies as part of your estate planning is a very simple gift to make. Of note, if you wish to contribute from your IRA during your lifetime and you are age 70 ½ or older*, you can contribute up to $100,000 directly from your IRA and avoid paying income taxes on the distribution. This is known as a qualified charitable distribution.

*Changes in tax legislation may affect QCD rules; consult your tax advisor. 

Life insurance can be an excellent tool for making charitable gifts. One simple way is to designate Animal Allies Humane Society as a beneficiary or owner of the policy. Special tax advantages may exist when donating insurance policies.

Gifts of real estate owned for more than one year can be donated and may allow you to deduct the fair market value as a charitable contribution while avoiding capital gains tax. Arrangements can be made so you and your spouse can remain in the home until your passing. Residences, vacation homes, farmland and other appreciated real estate can be given, subject to Animal Allies’ gift acceptance policy. 

While this involves longer-term planning, a gift made through your Will or living trust can benefit the homeless animals in our community for years to come and may qualify for a federal estate tax charitable deduction. Your gift becomes part of Animal Allies Humane Society at the time your will is probated. Gifts can be in the form of cash, stock, property, real estate, or a gift of the residue and remainder of your estate once other bequests have been fulfilled.