Charitable Remainder Trusts

Goal: Secure payments for life while reducing market risks
Benefit: Potential increased income and tax benefits
Diagram

Susan and Fred know what hard work is all about. And now they have some time to relax a bit.

Susan: "I was one of the lucky ones. Times were hard, but when we needed help. it was there. Did it make a difference? I don't know where I'd be today without them."

Fred: "We know how important a helping hand is, and we know how difficult it is to develop the funding they need. Facilities, programs, staff - it's all important."

Susan: "We are now in a position where we can give back. And what a joy it is to know that when we no longer need it, part of it is going to someone who does. It's awesome - we are changing lives!"

Fred: "That's why Susan and I made the decision. Not only will the trust provide income to us throughout our lifetimes, but we have peace of mind knowing that the remainder will benefit the community as a whole."

There are two different types of charitable remainder trusts.

A charitable remainder unitrust (see example) is a popular way to achieve tax benefits as well as a fixed annual percentage on the value of the assets in the trust. The assets are revalued annually and, if the trust value changes, the payment to the beneficiary(ies) changes.

A charitable remainder annuity trust is set up to pay a fixed rate of return based on the initial valuation at the time the property is placed in the trust. The trust assets are never revalued.

Additional information on charitable remainder trusts is available. Charitable remainder trusts provide a good degree of flexibility that is valuable in charitable gift planning, especially when dealing with appreciated assets. For example, a variation on remainder trusts can be an effective way to make gifts of real estate.

Susan and Fred are happy that they have made a difference; a difference that will have a profound impact on the lives of others.

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Please note, individual financial circumstances will vary. The information on this site does not constitute legal or tax advice, either in whole or in part. 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. The content in this Planned Giving section has been developed for Goodwill Suncoast by Future Focus.