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Download My KitA Tax-Saving Way to Help the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
Make a difference today and save on taxes. It is possible when you support the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation through your IRA.
A Special Opportunity for Those 70½ Years Old and Older
Subject to certain restrictions, if you are age 70½ or older, you can give up to a maximum of $105,000 this year from your IRA directly to a qualified charity such as the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation without having to pay income taxes on the money. Gifts of any value $105,000 or less are eligible for this benefit and you can feel good knowing that you are making a difference at the NFFF. This popular gift option is commonly called the IRA charitable rollover, but you may also see it referred to as a qualified charitable distribution, or QCD for short. QCDs must be paid directly from your IRA to the NFFF.
Why Consider This Gift?
- Your gift will be put to use today, allowing you to see the difference your donation is making.
- If you are required to take minimum distributions, you can use your gift to satisfy all or part of your obligation.
- You pay no income taxes on the gift. The transfer generates neither taxable income nor a tax deduction, so you benefit even if you do not itemize your deductions.
- Since the gift doesn’t count as income, it can reduce your annual income level. This may help lower your Medicare premiums and decrease the amount of Social Security that is subject to tax.
Frequently Asked Questions
I am turning age 70½ in a few months. Can I make this gift now?
No. You must be 70½ by the date you make the gift.
I have several retirement accounts—some are pensions and some are IRAs. Does it matter which retirement account I use?
Yes. Direct gifts to a qualified charity can be made only from an IRA. Under certain circumstances, however, you may be able to roll assets from a pension, profit sharing, thrift savings plan (TSP), 401(k), or 403(b) plan into an IRA and then make the transfer from the IRA directly to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. To determine if a rollover to an IRA is available for your plan, speak with your plan administrator.
Can my gift be used as my required minimum distribution?
Yes, absolutely. Beginning in the year you are required to start taking RMDs, you can use your gift to satisfy all or part of your RMD. You should speak with your financial advisor or the financial institution where your IRA is held to make them aware that you plan to count your gifts as your RMDs so that they can properly adjust any distributions you are receiving.
Do I need to give my entire IRA to be eligible for the tax benefits?
No. Subject to certain restrictions, you can give any amount under this provision, as long as it is no more than $105,000 this year. If your IRA is valued at more than $105,000, you can transfer a portion of it to fund a charitable gift.
When do I need to make my gift?
We must receive your gift by Dec. 31 for your donation to qualify this year. If you have check-writing features on your IRA, please be aware that your check must clear your account by Dec. 31 to count toward your required minimum distribution for the calendar year.
I have two charities I want to support. Can I give $105,000 from my IRA to each?
No. Under the law, subject to certain restrictions, you can give a maximum of $105,000 this year. For example, subject to certain restrictions, you can give each organization $52,500 this year or any other combination that totals $105,000 or less. Any amount of more than $105,000 in one year must be reported as taxable income.
My spouse and I would like to give more than $105,000. How can we do that?
If you have a spouse (as defined by the IRS) who is 70½ or older, they can also give any amount up to $105,000 from their IRA.
Can I use the transfer to fund life-income gifts like charitable gift annuities or charitable remainder trusts?
Yes! If you are 70½ or older, you may now make a one-time election for a qualified charitable distribution of up to $53,000 (without being taxed) from your IRA to fund a life-income gift. Some limitations apply, so contact us for more details and a personalized illustration at no obligation.
I have already named the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation as the beneficiary of my IRA. What are the benefits if I make a gift now instead of after my lifetime?
By making a gift this year of any amount up to $105,000 from your IRA, you can see your philanthropic dollars at work. You are jump-starting the legacy you would like to leave and giving yourself the joy of watching your philanthropy take shape. Moreover, you can fulfill any outstanding pledge you may have made by transferring that amount from your IRA as long as it is $105,000 or less for the year.
For Those 59½ Years Old or Older
If you are at least 59½ years old, you can take a distribution and then make a gift from your IRA without penalty. If you itemize your deductions, you can take a charitable deduction for the amount of your gift subject to restrictions and limitations under federal tax law.
At Any Age
No matter your age, you can designate the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation as the beneficiary of all or a percentage of your IRA and it will pass to us tax-free after your lifetime. It’s simple, just requiring that you contact your IRA administrator for a change-of-beneficiary form or download a form from your provider’s website.
Tip: It is critical to let us know of your gift because many popular retirement plan administrators assume no obligation to notify a charity of your designation. The administrator also will not monitor whether your gift designations are followed. We would love to talk to you about your intentions to ensure that they are followed. We would also like to thank you for your generosity.
A Valuable Resource
This comprehensive estate planning kit helps you protect your family and establish your legacy. FREE!
Download My Kit