Gifts of tangible appreciated personal property (e.g., art) related to the church exempt purposes are fully tax deductible at fair market value.

Gifts of appreciated real estate are like gifts of appreciated stock. Assuming you have owned the property for more than one year, you may deduct the fair market value of real estate as a charitable contribution while avoiding all capital gains taxes.

Gifts of appreciated stocks can be one of the most advantageous ways of giving. If your gift of stock is one you have owned for more than one year, you may deduct the full market value of the stock as a gift, while by passing capital gain taxes.

One of the easiest ways to leave a gift to your church is through a beneficiary designation on assets such as retirement accounts, savings and investment accounts or life insurance policies.

Charitable trusts can offer you substantial tax savings while providing income to you and your family and resulting in a substantial gift to your church. Examples of each trust with illustrations are available at the Georgia United Methodist Foundation’s website here.

A donor advised fund allows the donor to make a gift and take the income tax deduction. The distribution of the funds can be made in later years. This fund is attractive for persons who receive large distributions and would like to delay donation decisions. It is also useful for families who want to contribute and make gifting decisions as a family.

A charitable gift annuity is a contract between you and the Georgia United Methodist Foundation. The Foundation promises to pay quarterly to the annuitant(s) for life in exchange for transferred assets. Your church receives a portion of the initial investment at the end of life.

Gifts of provided services or other intangible items related to the church’s exempt purposes are fully tax deductible at fair market value.

Life insurance is a unique way to give to the church. To qualify, the church needs to become the owner and beneficiary. If the policy is paid up, your charitable contribution is generally the replacement value or cost basis of the policy, whichever is less. Premiums paid on a gift life insurance policy also qualify for a charitable deduction.

Donors may contribute a personal home, a farm or other assets to the church and retain the right to live in the home or farm and use the property to produce income. At the donor’s death, the property would go directly to the church without going through probate or taxation.

This is a tax benefit for persons 70½ or older. You may transfer your required distribution directly to your church and not pay income taxes on the gift.

A gift of your retirement assets (IRA, 401K, 403B, pension or other tax deferred plan) is an excellent way to give due to the high taxation to heirs.

A properly drawn will is an excellent way to remember the church and make a significant contribution. Gifts may be a designated amount, part of an estate or the residue of a will given at the time of the donor’s death.