Gifts That Reduce Your Taxes

Court battles to defend places like Mineral King Valley laid the foundation for today’s environmental laws
(CHRIS JORDAN-BLOCH / EARTHJUSTICE)

You may receive some tax benefits while defending the environment and fighting for a healthier future for all.

Charitable Distribution from Your IRA

You can make a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) from your IRA and make an immediate impact. Here’s how it works:

  • You must be 70½ or older.
  • Your gift must be transferred directly from your IRA account to Earthjustice.
  • Your gift is a transfer of funds from your IRA to Earthjustice, so while you do not receive a charitable deduction, it does not create taxable income for you.*
  • You may transfer up to a total of $105,000 per year (individual) or $210,000 (married couple).
  • If you are required to take a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from your IRA, your gift can count towards it, but your gift is not limited to your RMD. If you are using a checkbook issued by your IRA administrator to make your gift, please send your gift as early as possible to ensure that it qualifies for a distribution in the current year.

If you’re interested in this popular way to support Earthjustice, download a sample letter for your IRA administrator here.

* Due to recent changes in the laws governing retirement plans, please seek advice from your financial advisor regarding the tax implications of your gift, particularly if you plan to continue to contribute to your IRA after age 70 ½. Your gift may not qualify for these tax benefits.

Retirement Plan Gift

Naming Earthjustice as a beneficiary of your retirement account can be an attractive option for creating your enduring environmental legacy and reducing income and possibly estate taxes for your loved ones. Because retirement plans are taxed differently than most assets, they may become a tax liability.

Income taxes to your beneficiaries on retirement assets can be as high as 37%. This means, for example, that a $100,000 IRA will be worth only $63,000 when it gets to your loved ones.

Naming Earthjustice as a beneficiary of your retirement assets generates no income taxes. Earthjustice is tax exempt and eligible to receive the full amount, bypassing any income taxes. This means, for example, that a $100,000 IRA given to Earthjustice will be worth the full $100,000.

If you’re interested in this popular way to support Earthjustice, view sample beneficiary designation language here.

Gifts of Securities

You can use stocks, bonds, and mutual funds that have grown in value to create your enduring environmental legacy. Potential benefits include:

  • You may receive a charitable income tax deduction for the full market value of the securities (up to a maximum percentage of your adjusted gross income as dictated by tax law).
  • You could avoid paying the capital gains tax on any increase in the value of the stock you give.

Download our easy-to-use form and stock transfer instructions.

Gifts of Real Estate

Here are different ways to donate real estate, such as a home, vacation property, undeveloped land, or commercial property:

  • An immediate gift of real estate: Donating property outright to Earthjustice frees you from the costs and responsibilities of ownership. If you have owned the property for more than a year, you’ll enjoy a charitable income tax deduction equal to the property’s full fair market value. You’ll eliminate any capital gain, and the gift reduces your future taxable estate.
  • A gift of real estate by bequest: You can include a gift of real estate to Earthjustice in your will or living trust, and you’ll be eligible for a charitable estate tax deduction upon your death.
  • A retained life estate: You donate your home to Earthjustice but retain the right to live in it for the rest of your life, a term of years, or a combination of the two.
  • A Charitable Remainder Trust: Establish a charitable remainder trust with appreciated real estate and receive income for life or for a fixed number of years. You will receive an immediate income tax deduction for a portion of your contribution to the unitrust and save on capital gains taxes. You will make a significant gift that benefits you now and Earthjustice later.

These gifts are accepted on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us to discuss whether your property may fund a gift to Earthjustice.

Life Insurance Policy Gift

Do you have a life insurance policy that has outlasted its original purpose? You can use it (or a percentage of it) to reduce your taxes while defending the environment. Here’s how:

  • Request a beneficiary designation form from your life insurance company and make Earthjustice a full, partial, or contingent beneficiary.
  • Sign over a fully paid policy. You will be allowed a tax deduction for your generous gift.

If you’re interested in this popular way to support Earthjustice, view sample beneficiary designation language here.

Complimentary Planning Resources

Learn more about creating your environmental legacy.

Grand Gulch in Utah’s Bears Ears National Monument is one of many magnificent places protected by Earthjustice.
(STEVEN GNAM)