Use Your Traditional IRA to Support Wildlife
Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), also known as IRA Charitable Rollovers, are the savviest way for individuals age 70.5 or older to use their IRAs to maximize their charitable impact. The benefits include:
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Reducing your taxable income - funds go directly from your IRA to Defenders, thereby helping you avoid higher income taxes.
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Satisfying Required Minimum Distributions - If you do not withdraw your RMD, you face a penalty tax of 50% of the required withdrawal amount. QCDs can be used to meet your RMD and avoid penalties.
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Maximizing your charitable impact - Defenders receives the full amount of the transfer tax-free. It’s a win-win situation that supports you and the wildlife you care about.
Remember, these gifts must come directly from your IRA account – funds that you withdraw and then contribute do not qualify. We partner with FreeWill so you can easily complete the necessary forms to make a tax-free gift from your IRA.
We are also happy to provide you with a sample instruction letter for you to fill in and send to your IRA administrator. Please contact us to let us know and to provide us with the information we need to ensure you receive your tax benefits.
Name Defenders of Wildlife as a Beneficiary of Your Retirement Plan
Contribute to the wildlife you love while avoiding the double taxation your retirement savings would incur should you leave it to your heirs. Use this online resource today to plan your beneficiaries for these assets and receive step-by-step instructions to designate Defenders to receive all or a portion of the balance of your plan.
- Beneficiary designations can be changed or revoked at any time without a penalty, and your regular lifetime withdrawals will not be affected.
Did you know?
- Your retirement fund can be taxed up to 75% if passed on to heirs, yet it’s tax-free to charity.
- By designating Defenders of Wildlife as your beneficiary, you will ensure 100% of the value of your account benefits Defenders’ mission.
- You can use other assets not subject to income tax to make gifts to your heirs and they will receive their share of your estate without the burden of extra taxes.
Contact the Planned Giving Team at 1-800-915-6789 or legacy@defenders.org to discuss these gift options.
