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Effective
estate planning is a complex and personal subject
that requires an individual to make a number of
very important decisions. The most important decision
in developing an estate plan is to determine your
objectives. If you wish to give back to the society
from which your wealth has come, there are many
tools and options available that will benefit your
estate and your favorite charities. These tools
may also result in significant tax savings that
will benefit your heirs.
The
Bucks County Women’s Fund encourages its donors
to consider BCWF as a partner in estate planning.
Your investment in BCWF will ensure that more women
and girls can be given opportunities to improve
their lives.
If you would like to discuss options for including
BCWF in your estate plan in more detail, please
contact Board President Jeanne Mantell, or consult
your estate planning attorney, tax advisor or financial
planner.
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BEQUEST
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Making
a will provides an opportunity to plan thoughtfully
for the disposition of your estate. Your decision
to include the Bucks County Women’s Fund as a
beneficiary increases the effectiveness of programs
that address the needs of women and girls. A bequest
to the Bucks County Women’s Fund will help ensure
that support of women and girls will continue beyond
your lifetime.
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How
Can I Include the Bucks County Women’s Fund
in my Will?
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A
bequest of any size is welcomed by BCWF. The laws
governing the disposition of estates provide many
opportunities for remembering a favorite organization
through your will. You and your attorney may choose:
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A
specific bequest of cash, personal property or real
estate.
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A
proportionate bequest, which represents a percentage
of your gross or net estate.
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A
contingent bequest, effective if your primary beneficiaries
fail to survive you.
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A
residual bequest, which includes the balance of your
estate after specific bequests have been distributed.
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What
are the Benefits of Making a Bequest to BCWF?
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You
may decrease estate tax liabilities because taxes
are calculated after the value of your gift has
been deducted from your estate.
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You
continue to support BCWF and its mission.
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You
can change your will at any time to reflect your changing
situation and interests. |
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| SECURITIES
(stocks, bonds, etc.) | LIFE INSURANCE | RETIREMENT
PLAN ASSETS |
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A
gift to the Bucks County Women’s Fund of securities,
insurance policy, IRA or retirement plan increases
the effectiveness of programs that address the needs
of women and girls. Your investment in our professionally
managed endowment increases the principal that generates
income, thereby increasing funds available for additional
programs.
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What
Kind of Securities Can I Donate and What Are the
Benefits?
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You
may give any type of securities, but a gift of appreciated
stocks or bonds held more than one year may be particularly
advantageous. Transferring ownership allows you to
deduct the full fair market value of the securities
as a charitable contribution and pay no income tax
on the appreciation.
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If
you hold long-term securities that have depreciated
in value, you can sell them and give the proceeds
from the sale to BCWF, resulting in tax deductions
for the capital loss as well as the charitable contribution.
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How
Can I Arrange a Gift of Stocks or Bonds?
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Send
your certificates with a letter of transmittal and
stock power to BCWF.
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Ask
your bank or broker for assistance in transferring
your certificate.
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If
your bank or broker holds securities for you, they
can handle the transaction directly. |
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What
Benefits Does a Gift of Life Insurance Offer?
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Insurance
policy gifts are convenient and easy to arrange.
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Since
the policy is payable to BCWF immediately upon your
death, the full value of your gift benefits BCWF
without probate or estate settlement, with no taxes
or fees.
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How
Does a Gift of Life Insurance Work?
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There
are many options for using life insurance as a gift
to BCWF:
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If
you own a policy that no longer serves its original
purpose, you can receive tax advantages by assigning
ownership of the policy to BCWF.
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The
value of the policy can be deducted as a charitable
contribution.
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You
can continue to pay the annual premiums and deduct
these payments as a charitable contribution.
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Upon
your death, the proceeds of the policy go directly
to BCWF, bypassing the probate process.
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Upon
your death, the policy is removed from your estate,
minimizing the estate taxes your heirs will pay.
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You
may choose to buy a new policy naming BCWF as owner
and irrevocable beneficiary.
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You
would pay the annual premiums and deduct these payments
as a charitable contribution.
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You
can name BCWF as a contingent beneficiary of your
policy.
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You
retain ownership of the policy and all rights to
it.
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Although
you do not receive a tax deduction for the premiums,
any proceeds that BCWF receives after your death
are deducted from your estate for federal estate
tax purposes.
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How
Can I Give to BCWF Through an IRA or Retirement
Plan?
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You
can name BCWF as a beneficiary for your IRA or retirement
plan or specify the specific portion of your retirement
plan for BCWF.
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Such
a gift may qualify for a federal estate tax deduction
in your estate.
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TRUSTS
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| Trusts
are very complex options for estate planning. However,
charitable trusts established with the Bucks County
Women’s Fund as beneficiary offer flexibility,
enormous tax advantages for you and your heirs, and
the satisfaction of making a significant contribution
to BCWF’s future. |
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How
Do Trusts Work?
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There
are several different types of charitable trusts that
can be established to reflect your needs and desires
as well as those of your family.
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The
basic concept of a charitable trust is that you
and any beneficiaries you designate will receive
income from the trust during their lifetimes. Upon
your death and those of your beneficiaries, the
trust assets go to the Bucks County Women’s
Fund.
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Some
of the more popular charitable trusts that can be
established are Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust,
Charitable Remainder Unitrust and Charitable Lead
Trust.
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of the complexities of establishing a trust, BCWF
recommends that you consult with a qualified tax advisor
or estate planning attorney to understand your options
and the tax consequences to you and your family. |
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