If you are over 70½, you are eligible to make a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) from your individual retirement account (IRA) to public charities like The Salvation Army.

While there is no added deduction for a qualified charitable distribution, avoiding additional taxable income may save substantial income taxes. A bonus is that up to $105,000 of qualified charitable distribution this year will qualify for all or part of your IRA required minimum distribution requirement (RMD).

Qualified charitable distributions are popular for several reasons:

• Convenience – It is a very simple and easy way to make a gift.
• Standard Deduction Benefit – With a QCD, you may take the standard deduction. Since the QCD is not reportable income, it may reduce your taxes.
• Lower Taxes on Social Security – Because of an IRA required minimum distribution (RMD), you may be paying tax on 85% of your Social Security. Using the QCD may lower your income and reduce taxes on Social Security benefits.
• Lower Income Level Saves Tax – Persons with higher incomes often lose part of their charitable deductions and other tax benefits. Using QCD for part or all your IRA required distribution may lower your income and save taxes.

For more information, request our free booklet "A Gift From Your IRA" by using the form below or contact Kyle Karioka at kyle.karioka@usw.salvationarmy.org or 808.440.1862.

Most of us, if given the chance, would like to leave a lasting legacy to show we have made a difference - that we have contributed to an important work or cause that will benefit the lives of others for generations to come. While your legacy will consist of the assets you leave behind, it will be much more than that. Your true legacy will be defined by the values, the hope and the convictions you bestow upon the world.

As you plan for both the present and the future, we are honored that you would consider The Salvation Army as a partner with a gift in your will or trust. Every day throughout your community The Salvation Army is creating a better tomorrow by focusing on today's needs. Warm meals. A place to rest. Encouragement. Help. Hope. We pledge to do the most good with your generosity, for those you help today and for the generations you will help in the years to come.

If you have included a gift for The Salvation Army in your estate plan, please let us know. We would like to thank you and ensure that your wishes are carried out as you intended.

To make a gift in your will or trust, you should speak with your attorney, who can help you include a future gift to The Salvation Army through your estate plan.

For specific legal language, the federal tax number, and your free Legacy Planning Toolkit, please use the form below or contact Kyle Karioka at kyle.karioka@usw.salvationarmy.org or 808.440.1862.

Through The Salvation Army's popular and flexible charitable gift annuity program, it is possible to make a significant gift while meeting your own long-term financial needs, or the needs of a loved one.

A charitable gift annuity is an agreement between you and The Salvation Army. In exchange for your irrevocable gift, The Salvation Army pays a fixed dollar amount during your life and/or the life of a designated loved one. The amount you receive is determined by the size of your gift, your age and the age of your income beneficiary. The income is guaranteed, regardless of market fluctuation. A portion of your gift annuity income will be income tax-free.

Your gift can be arranged to provide income in your retirement years or to provide financial support for a family member or friend. With a charitable gift annuity, you can often increase your spendable income, reduce your taxes, and make a gift that will have a substantial impact. You benefit now and The Salvation Army benefits later - after you have enjoyed all your financial and tax benefits.

For more information, request your free Charitable Gift Annuity Kit by using the form below or contact Kyle Karioka at kyle.karioka@usw.salvationarmy.org or 808.440.1862.

For caring people, decisions regarding estate management can be challenging. Maintaining financial health for one's self, spouse, children, loved ones, and supporting a favorite charity can be a challenging task. However, there is a way to make your assets work for you, your family and others.

One method of making a gift with a retained right to income is a charitable remainder trust. A charitable remainder trust transfers ownership and management of cash and/or securities to The Salvation Army or another trustee. The Salvation Army or trustee manages the trust and pays income to you for the remainder of your life and/or the life of another beneficiary.

For more information, request your free booklet, "The Charitable Remainder Trust" by using the form below or contact Kyle Karioka at kyle.karioka@usw.salvationarmy.org or 808.440.1862.

Does your estate plan protect your family’s future? Like most, you probably have a Will and/or a Living Trust in place. Does it transfer a large amount of assets to your family at one time? You can stretch part of your gift to them over their lifetimes and help protect and provide for their futures. Plus, you can receive lifetime income for yourself and a significant tax deduction NOW!

For more information, request your free booklet, "The Generational Transfer Trust" by using the form below or contact Kyle Karioka at kyle.karioka@usw.salvationarmy.org call 808.440.1862.

Do you want to sell your appreciated property or get out from under a 1031 Exchange, but are hesitant because of a substantial capital gains liability? A Capital Gains Bypass Trust may be the answer!

1.  Bypass of capital gains tax
2. Income for life for YOU and/or others 
3. Immediate charitable tax deduction 
4. Diversification and protection of assets 
5. Meaningful impact on your favorite charity 
6. Documents prepared at no cost) The Salvation Army must be the primary charitable beneficiary)

For more information, request your free booklet, "The Capital Gains Bypass Trust" by using the form below or contact Kyle Karioka at kyle.karioka@usw.salvationarmy.org call 808.440.1862.

Leaving large sums to others can be beneficial or sometimes cause problems. What happens to the money if they receive a lump sum? Will they be able to manage the money well? Will there be unforeseen circumstances such as debt, divorce, or market fluctuations that could deplete all the funds?

In the past, the “lifetime” stretch feature protected those inheriting IRA assets. They were able to stretch out payments over their entire life, thereby protecting the IRA’s principal value. The Secure Act has now limited that protection to 10 years, except for spouses and a few other exempted groups. All other beneficiaries must receive all the IRA assets within 10 years after the death of the original owner.

The SIP Trust Provides:

1. Lifetime income
2. Fixed or variable payments
3. Payments to multiple beneficiaries
4. Reduced state inheritance taxes
5. Reduced federal inheritance taxes
6. Easy set-up with language in your Will or Living Trust
7. Peace of mind

For more information, request your free booklet, “The Stretch IRA Protection (SIP) Trust” by using the form below or contact Kyle Karioka at kyle.karioka@usw.salvationarmy.org call 808.440.1862.