For many people, the end of the year is a time for making gifts – not only to family and friends but also to valued organizations such as Columbia. December is also your last chance to obtain charitable deductions you can claim next April.

Your year-end charitable contributions bring tax benefits, so now is a good time to refresh your memory on some of the tax-smart options available to you.

Outright Giving

The simplest ways to contribute to Columbia is to write a check or use your credit card. Your cash gift is tax deductible if you itemize deductions. If you do not expect to itemize this year, you may be able to strategically “bunch” your contributions – for example, making both this year’s and next year’s contributions in the same year in order to maximize your tax benefits.

Giving Appreciated Securities

You may be able to double your tax benefits by contributing stocks, bonds, or mutual funds that are now worth more than you paid for them a year or more ago, even if they have lost some value recently. You will receive an income tax charitable deduction for the share price at the time of your gift, and you avoid the capital gains tax that you would have owed if you sold them. Most gifts of securities can be electronically transferred but be sure to direct that the securities themselves be transferred to Columbia.

IRA Charitable Rollover/QCD

If you are age 70½ or older, the IRA Charitable Rollover, otherwise known as a Qualified Charitable Distribution or QCD, allows you to contribute up to $100,000 from your IRA each year directly to charitable organizations with no tax on the withdrawal. If you are subject to a Required Minimum Distributions (RMD), your QCD contribution can help meet your RMD without increasing your taxable income.

Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) Distribution

Donor-advised funds are the fastest-growing charitable giving vehicle in the United States. With a DAF you may contribute a large sum to establish the fund and then over time you can recommend grants from your DAF to the organizations you wish to support, like Columbia. DAF contributions are popular at year-end since it makes your giving easy.

As always, your own advisors are in the best position to help you determine what would be most appropriate for you. We are available to work with you and your advisors as you consider gift options. Remember that some gifts can take longer to accomplish, so please be aware of timing if you are interested in meeting a year-end deadline.