News
August 25, 2006
For Immediate Release
Contact: Rebecca Finley
615-321-4939 or rfinley@cfmt.org
New Pension Law Provides for Charity
Nashville, Tennessee – Since 1974, millions of Americans have saved billions of pre-tax dollars in Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). Thanks to continued savings and investment returns, an estimated $3.6 trillion is currently invested in IRAs, and the total continues to grow. On August 17, a federal law was enacted allowing IRA owners to share the wealth of their retirement savings by giving directly to charity—without first counting it as income and paying income tax.
The new law could be a boon to local philanthropy.
“This is a wonderful win-win—for people who would rather give to charity than pay taxes—and the nonprofit organizations they choose to support,” said Ellen Lehman, president of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.
Thanks to decades of deliberate saving and favorable investment returns, a substantial share of today’s retirees have more money in their IRAs than they’ll ever need. Many have expressed an interest in giving the funds to charity, but income tax must be paid on all withdrawals, which sharply reduces the value of the gift. Others have asked about designating their children as beneficiaries, but that may draw additional tax consequences.
“For larger estates, a good portion of IRA wealth goes to estate taxes and income taxes of beneficiaries,” Lehman said. “Experts estimate heirs will receive less than 25% of most IRA assets that pass through estates.”
A provision in the new federal Pension Protection Act of 2006, signed by President Bush, creates a new option: transferring IRA assets directly to charity. By going directly to charity, the money is not included in the IRA owner’s income and—most importantly—is not taxed, preserving the full amount for charitable purposes. The law covers gifts of up to $100,000 made only this year and next.
In 2006 and 2007, holders of traditional and Roth IRAs who are at least 70 ½ years old can make direct charitable transfers up to $100,000 per year. As a qualified public charity, The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee can help donors execute the transfers and choose from several charitable fund options for their gift. Donor-Advised Funds do not qualify for tax-free IRA transfers.
“This really is a limited-time offer: the window is open now, but it will close in 2007 unless Congress extends it,” said Lehman. “For anyone interested in establishing a permanent legacy in this community, this is the opportunity of a lifetime to make the gift of a lifetime.”
SIDEBAR
Gift of a Lifetime: Shopping for Charity
Having more retirement money than you need is a great problem to have, and one that’s now easier to solve. But generous IRA donors still face multiple options for their gift: Support the entire community? Underwrite a special cause? Shore up a favorite charity? Here are three top charitable fund picks of Ellen Lehman, president of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.
The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s Grantmaking Fund: Meeting ever-changing community needs.
IRA transfers to The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee address a broad range of current and future needs. The Community Foundation evaluates all aspects of community well-being—arts and culture, community development, education, environment, health and human services—and awards strategic grants to select projects and programs.
Lehman: “For people who care deeply about this community and its people, this fund is an excellent way to flexibly address our most pressing needs, today and tomorrow.”
Field of Interest Fund: Connecting personal values to high-impact opportunities.
IRA transfers to Field of Interest Funds allow donors to target gifts to causes important to them: arts, animals, women and girls, pre-school scholarships, youth welfare, and more. The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee awards grants to community organizations and programs addressing the donor’s specific interest area.
Lehman: “For those who are particularly passionate about a single cause, Field of Interest Funds provide strategic, lasting support—even as needs change over time.”
Designated Fund: Helping local organizations sustain and grow.
IRA transfers to Designated Funds allow donors to support the good work of a specific nonprofit organization—a senior center, museum, or any qualifying nonprofit charitable organization.
Lehman: “For people who want to help secure the future of their favorite charities, our endowed Designated Funds give nonprofits a steady stream of income, plus planned giving and investment management services.”
Sources:
Ellen Lehman, president of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee: 615-321-4939
IRA MARKET SHARES BY HOLDER, 2001-2005
($ billions, end of year)
| By holder | |||||
Commercial banking |
$160.1 |
$165.6 |
$166.0 |
$168.0 |
$170.5 |
Saving institutions |
54.6 |
53.8 |
55.1 |
53.7 |
53.8 |
Credit unions |
39.9 |
43.3 |
46.8 |
47.7 |
49.3 |
Life insurance companies |
251.0 |
308.3 |
338.4 |
376.0 |
407.0 |
Money market mutual funds |
172.0 |
190.0 |
171.0 |
153.0 |
162.0 |
Mutual funds |
961.3 |
822.0 |
1,095.0 |
1,279.0 |
1,432.0 |
Other self-directed accounts |
980.1 |
950.0 |
1,118.6 |
1,258.7 |
1,392.4 |
Total |
2,619.0 |
2,533.0 |
2,991.0 |
3,336.0 |
3,667.0 |
Source: Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System |
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