While donations can be deducted from your taxable income, there are two types of donations that lead to even greater tax savings.
Do you hold stocks or mutual funds that have appreciated greatly since purchased?
These can be given directly to Pacific Crest and is one of the most tax efficient ways to give. Instead of selling the investment, paying tax then donating the proceeds, the shares can be donated directly to Pacific Crest who can then use the proceeds for operations and avoid tax completely. You get a full deduction for the value of the shares when they are given.
At the age of 70 1/2 when the IRS requires distributions from your 401(k) and IRA plans there is a method to have those directed to Pacific Crest.
It is called a qualified charitable distribution (QDC) and is simply a direct transfer of funds from your retirement plan directly to a qualified charity. These distributions count toward satisfying your required minimum distribution and don’t require you to itemize your tax return in order to take advantage of the deduction. Keeping taxable income lower may also reduce your Medicare premiums.
We recommend you always seek professional tax advice.
If you would like to further discuss if either of these techniques would be beneficial to you while assisting the mission of Pacific Crest, please contact CEO Stuart Pompel at 909-287-1310 or by sending e-mail to pompel@pacific-crest.org.