Life Stage Gift Planner™

Over Age 70

• Maintaining financial stability
• Anticipating healthcare needs and insurance coverage
• Concern about the financial future of younger members of the family

For the charitably inclined, certain types of gifts can provide solutions to taxing problems:

Charitable bequest
If you would like to make a substantial gift for D-E but you do not have the current disposable income or assets to do so now, consider a charitable bequest.

Cash, checks, and credit cards
A gift of cash is easy to make, and the gift is not subject to gift or estate tax. A contribution of cash or by a check that is postmarked in December is deductible for that tax year—even if D-E receives it in January—provided the account against which the check was written had sufficient funds to cover it in December. A contribution by credit card must be made by December 31 in order to be deductible for that tax year.

Charitable remainder annuity trust
Provides for payment of a fixed-dollar amount—annually or at more frequent intervals—to the designated beneficiary(ies). The amount must equal at least 5% of the initial fair-market value of the trust.

Real estate—retained life estate
Give property to D-E while retaining the right to occupy the residence or operate the farm.

Gifts of retirement plans at death
Retirement-plan benefits left to heirs are often more highly taxed than other assets. Consider giving them to D-E instead to make a meaningful gift and leave other assets to heirs.