A gift of appreciated assets such as land, securities, buildings, and other investments can provide you with tremendous advantages. These advantages can include significant tax savings and secure lifetime income, as well as the satisfaction of helping organizations like Union Gospel Mission. The value or your appreciated gift can sustain UGM-GH both today an in the future.

Gifts of Highly Appreciated Property

The purchase of a home for personal residence or rental property are reasons for acquiring real estate. As the years pass, many people discover they own significant amounts of property for income or investment purposes. A gift of appreciated real estate can be an excellent method for meeting planning objectives. An appraisal is required on all gifts of real estate in excess of $5,000 in value.

Outright Gift of Land

An individual may be able to give more to charitable causes through the transfer of real estate rather than through an outright gift of cash.

Mrs. Jameson would like to make a significant gift to Union Gospel Mission. Her first thought was to sell a piece of property and give the proceeds to UGM-GH.

After discussing the options with UGM-GH's estate planning representative, she discovered she could make a larger gift by giving them the property.

Additionally, by giving the property, Mrs. Jameson will also benefit by receiving a larger income tax charitable deduction.

Example: Sale vs. Gift

	Sale	Gift
Value	$50,000	$50,000
Amount Paid	-10,000	-10,000
Capital Gain	$40,000	$40,000
Capital Gain Tax	-11,200	0
Net Gain	$28,800	$40,000
Amount Paid	+10,000	+10,000
Total Gift Amount	$38,800	$50,000

Funding a Charitable Remainder Unitrust with Real Estate

A gift of real estate used to fund a charitable remainder unitrust results in the following benefits for the donor:

No capital gains tax on the transfer.

Life income for the donor and spouse.

Immediate charitable income tax deduction.

Estate tax charitable deduction.

Mr. Winslow has a rental house worth $100,000. He has owned the property for some time and it is fully depreciated. The rental income of $7,200 per year is an important supplement to his pension, yet the expense of upkeep and taxes reduce his net income.

By placing this property in a charitable remainder unitrust with Union Gospel Mission, Mr. Winslow can receive approximately the same income without the property tax and maintenance expense. He avoids all capital gains tax on the transfer, receives an immediate income tax charitable deduction, and is relieved of management worries.

Life Estate Arrangement

A personal residence, farm or ranch can be contributed to Union Gospel Mission using a life estate arrangement. A life estate arrangement can provide an income tax charitable deduction, can avoid probate, and can guarantee the property will pass to Union Gospel Mission at the donor's death. The donor maintains control over the property throughout his/her lifetime.

Gifts of Securities

Appreciated securities such as stocks,, bonds, or mutual funds are excellent assets to give if the securities have been held over twelve months which qualifies them a long-term capital gains property. Gifts of appreciated securities have two tax advantages:

1. The donor receives an income tax charitable deduction equal to the current fair market value of the stock or other securities given.

2. The donor avoids payment of any capital gains tax.

Outright gifts of Publicly Traded Stock

Appreciated publicly traded stock can be transferred to Union Gospel Mission as a charitable contribution. The donor can claim the full fair market value of the stock as a charitable deduction on his/her income tax return and avoid all capital gains tax on the gift.

Over a year ago, Mr. and Mrs. Smith purchased 100 shares of X Company when the stock was valued at $3,000. Today, the stock's fair market value is $10,000.

If the Smiths make a gift of that stock to Union Gospel Mission, they may deduct the entire fair market value - up to 30 percent of their adjusted gross income. Any unused portion of their deduction can be carried forward up to five years. They will also avoid tax on the $7,000 of capital gain.

Gifts of Closely-Held Stock

Gifts of private, or closely-held stock, have several tax advantages. The donor receives an income tax charitable deduction equal to the full fair market value of the stock. In addition, no capital gains tax is due, allowing the donor more after-tax spendable dollars.

Gifts of closely-held stock can also facilitate the transfer of a larger percentage of ownership to other family members while avoiding gift tax, and reducing estate tax liability. Both the donor and Union Gospel Mission benefit from this option. Gifts of closely-held stock of $10,000 or more require an appraisal.

Union Gospel Mission receives a gift of 250 shares of Good Fortune Corporation from Mr. and Mrs. White. Good Fortune Corporation then redeems (buys) the stock from UGM-GH and the stock is retired.

The Whites and/or their family still own 100 percent of the outstanding stock. (Note: Under IRS rules, UGM-GH cannot be required to sell the stock back to Good Fortune Corporation.)

Gifts of Life Insurance

Life insurance is an excellent vehicle for charitable giving because it allow a donor to make a sizable gift without jeopardizing current financial responsibilities. A gift of life insurance can provide a tax deduction, if the donor itemizes.

An Existing Policy

As time passes, the need for life insurance can change. Protection for a young family and spouse or the financial assurance once needed may not be valid now. Making a charitable gift to Union Gospel Mission of an existing, paid-up policy, is easily accomplished by naming UGM-GH as one of the following:

1.   Primary beneficiary of the policy.

2.   Co-Beneficiary, with your present beneficiary.

3.   Secondary beneficiary, if your primary beneficiary dies.

4. UGM-GH can be named as owner and beneficiary of the policy. The donor will receive an income tax charitable deduction equal to the replacement value of the policy (usually a major portion of the cash value).

Outright Gift if a New Life Insurance Policy

A significant gift can be made to Union Gospel Mission by purchasing a new policy on your life and naming UGM-GH as the owner and beneficiary. The amount paid for each premium is tax deductible. Premiums can be paid in installments or in a single payment. (Union Gospel Mission should sign the application as owner and applicant.)

Mr. Powell has decided to purchase a life insurance policy on himself as a gift to Union Gospel Mission. Mr. Powell, age 40, buys a $100,000 policy which can be paid annually at $1,700 per year for about seven years, or in a single payment of $9,400. Mr. Powell chooses to pay the single payment.

When Mr. Powell dies, his donation to Union Gospel Mission will provide at least $100,000 for a single investment of $9,400.

If you would like further information regarding gifts of appreciated assets, a representative from Union Gospel Mission will be happy to assist you.

Ministry Support

Union Gospel Mission of Gray's Harbor

405 E Heron, PO Box 859

Aberdeen, WA 98520

360.533.1064

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Please note, individual financial circumstances will vary. The information on this site does not constitute legal or tax advice. Donor stories and photographs are for purposes of illustration only. As with all tax and estate planning, please consult your attorney or estate specialist. All material is copyrighted and is for viewing purposes only. Use of this site signifies your agreement with the Terms of Use Policy.. The content in this Ministry Support section has been developed for Union Gospel Mission of Gray's Harbor by Donors First. Please report any problems to the Ministry Support office.

Revised: December 24, 2008