Tax Deductible Gifts To Consider


For most of us, financial security is a primary concern, both now and in later years. It has been said a person who fails to plan plans to fail- a statement as true for long range planning as for anything else. Your will offers many opportunities to exercise philanthropy. After providing for your loved ones, a charitable gift is used to meet your goals as a thoughtful expression of caring through sharing with a non profit agency. There are so many benefits to planning, not the least of which is the satisfaction of knowing you have thoughtfully provided for your loved ones and furthered other important charitable goals as well.

The giving of financial gifts while living has advantages:

  1. To mark important events in your life
  2. To pass on to others what you learned from your family or personal experience
  3. To express something for which you are grateful
  4. To give your hopes and dreams for the future
  5. To influence others in a positive way
  6. A statement of your commitment to others
  7. Away to encourage people to support a ministry you believe in
  8. Away to more than just pass on your wealth, but to also express your values
  9. To do something meaningful to others before and after you pass

Good Shepherd Ministries is a charitable agency we trust you will choose. This is good stewardship of your resources with a reputable charity you can believe in.

Gifts of Cash

These gifts permit you to have an immediate tax deduction for the tax year when within the proper guidelines.

Gifts of Securities

The best stocks to donate are those that have increased greatly in value, particularly these producing a low yield. In order to preserve tax advantages, it is critical that you transfer the physical securities rather than the proceeds from a sale.

Capital Gains

Taxes can be greatly reduced when you use appreciated stocks, bonds or other assets to finance your pledge. Tremendous income tax deductions are usually possible with this method of payment. Contact Good Shepherd Ministries for more information.

Memorial Gifts

These are a wonderful way to remember someone, both living or deceased. Giving in a loved one’s name allows their legacy to be remembered and lived through the changed lives of people. Contact us to make the memorial

Gifts of Life Insurance or an IRA

You can contribute a life insurance or an IRA policy to us by naming us as either the owner of the policy or simply as the beneficiary. If you name us as the owner and beneficiary, you will be entitled to an income tax deduction limited to the lower value of the policy or your cost basis in the contract. In addition, if you continue to pay premiums on a policy that we own, you can deduct the premium payments.

Gifts of Real Estate

If you own property, this is not subject to a mortgage and has appreciated in value; a charitable gift may be an attractive option. You can claim an income tax deduction based upon fair market value of the property, may avoid capital gain taxes and remove that asset from your taxable estate. Or, you can transfer your home now and continue to use the property for life. Or you may also specify a financial percentage from the sale of your home to be designated to Good Shepherd Ministries. Please notify us of your plans so that we can property document your intentions.

Donor Managed Investment Account

In a strategy offered by Good Shepherd Ministries, investment-savvy donors give money to Good Shepherd but can still manage the asset themselves for a period of time.

Charitable Remainder Trust

You transfer assts to an irrevocable trust and receive a regular payment stream. At the end of the trust’s term, what’s left is gifted to Good Shepherd. You receive an income-tax deduction for the amount estimated to end up with the charity, although the payments to you are generally taxable.

Charitable Lead Trust

Essentially the reverse of a charitable remainder trust. You transfer assts to a trust and Good Shepherd receives a payment stream. At the end of the trust’s term, what is left goes to the heirs.

Charitable Gift Annuity

You give money to Good Shepherd Ministries, which promises to pay you a fixed amount regularly for life. Although part of the annuity payments is taxable, you’ll also receive an upfront income tax deduction for the amount estimated to end up with Good Shepherd.

Pooled Income Fund

You give money to Good Shepherd which invests the money in a special fund and pays you your share of the fund’s earnings. When you die, whatever’s left of your investment goes to the charitable work of Good Shepherd Ministries.