Senior couple in a meeting with a financial professional

5 Tax Saving Tips to Help your Clients

Amy Jordan |

Donor advised funds are the fastest-growing family foundation alternative, outnumbering private foundations by 3 to 1.  At Hudson Community Foundation we work with the client's trusted advisors, and together we become joint stewards of the charitable giving fund.

Depending on your clients’ circumstances, there are five instances where a donor advised fund can serve as a tax reduction tool.

What is a Donor Advised Fund?

A donor advised fund (DAF) is a family foundation alternative that enables donors to manage their charitable giving in simple, tax-smart and meaningful ways. Donors can enjoy the best tax advantages available, make grants on their flexible time table and build their enduring charitable legacy.

 

How Can a Donor Advised Fund Reduce Taxes?

Due to their structure, donor advised funds provide explicit tax reduction opportunities in the following ways:

1. Income Tax Deduction: The donor receives an immediate tax deduction in the year they contribute to their DAF. Since Hudson Community Foundation (HCF) is a public charity, contributions made to HCF's Advisor Managed Donor Advised Funds immediately qualify for maximum income tax benefits. The IRS does mandate annual limitations, depending upon the donors adjusted gross income (AGI):

  • Deduction for cash – up to 60 % of AGI.
  • Deduction for securities and other appreciated assets – up to 30 % of AGI.
  • There is a five-year carry-forward for unused deductions

2. Capital Gains Tax Avoidance: The donor will incur no capital gains tax on gifts of appreciated assets held for more than a year (i.e. securities, real estate, other illiquid assets)

3. Estate Tax Avoidance: The DAF will not be subject to estate taxes.

4. Tax-Free Investment Appreciation: The investments in the DAF grow tax-free, providing the donor additional funds that they can use for charitable granting.

5. Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) Reduction: If the donor’s income is subject to alternative minimum tax (AMT), the contribution to their donor advised fund will reduce their AMT impact.

 

Other Tax Considerations

In contrast to gifts made to a private foundation, donors can deduct the full market value of certain contributed assets, subject to the AGI limitations listed above. These assets include:

  • Closely held stock (C-corp or S-corp) - 30% of AGI (Private Foundation 20% of AGI)
  • Real estate - 30% of AGI (Private Foundation 20% of AGI)
  • If you are subject to Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT), contributions to your donor advised fund will reduce your AMT liability.

 

Contact us at 330-655-3580 to discuss the specifics of your client and how a donor advised fund through Hudson Community Foundation can aid their tax planning.

We want Hudson Community Foundation to be your preferred partner for your client’s charitable giving.

We are here to help contact us today!

330-655-3580

Note: The information provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted to constitute legal and/or tax advice. Donors should consult their legal and tax advisors regarding their specific situations.