If you are concerned about how your investments are performing in today’s financial markets, you are not alone. Whether you are trying to build a retirement nest egg, or already living on one, it is important to make informed choices.
Sometimes people would like to help support the mission of an organization such as ours, but they are uncertain about what to do in the current economy. There is a way that you can help and create a more secure future for you and your family, regardless of how the economy fares. It’s called a charitable gift annuity and it is a way for you to help with the good work of a charity now and receive fixed income for the rest of your life.
What is a Charitable Gift Annuity?
A Charitable Gift Annuity is an agreement between you and a qualified charitable organization. When you transfer your cash or appreciated property to the charity, the charity agrees to pay you income for the rest of your life. Your payment will be fixed, which means that your income will never change. Your rate is based on your age at the time you make the agreement with the charity (or, if you decide to defer receipt of the income until a later time, the age at the time the income is to begin).
Hawaii law requires a charity to satisfy certain requirements in order to be able to enter into a charitable gift annuity agreement. It’s important to know that the charity of your choice meets those requirements. Not every charity does.
What are the Benefits?
There are many benefits to establishing a Charitable Gift Annuity. In addition to fixed income for life, you will receive a charitable income tax deduction to reduce your taxes in the year you make your gift. If you make a gift of appreciated property such as stock or real estate, you may also avoid paying some of the capital gain tax on the sale of your property.
What’s My First Step?
Since a Charitable Gift Annuity payment rate is based upon your age, you might want to start by requesting a charitable gift annuity illustration from a charitable organization. This will give you some information and will also enable you to make sure the charity qualifies to make charitable gift annuities in Hawaii. You will then be able to evaluate your potential benefits.
It is also a good idea to talk with your accountant or other tax advisor to determine how the tax benefits of a charitable gift annuity will fit with your overall tax situation and retirement income sources. A simple call to the planned giving office of your favorite charitable organization is a good way to get the information your accountant or other tax advisor will need to properly advise you.
National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii
1314 South King St., #304, Honolulu, Hawaii 96814
808.589.5976 info@kidneyhi.org www.kidneyhi.org
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