Retirement Plan Assets
IRA accounts, Keogh accounts, Section
401(k) and Section 403(b) plans, and other qualified pension and profit-sharing
plans otherwise known as "qualified retirement assets" are
often considered as gift candidates to the Marriott School. Retirement
plan assets may be gifted during life or at death. The consequences
of these choices are quite different.
A gift of these assets during life requires that they first be withdrawn from the retirement plan and transferred to LDS Foundation in the name of the Marriott School. Normally the amount withdrawn is fully taxable to the owner of the plan. The resulting gift is then deductible to the extent of 50 percent of adjusted gross income, limiting the extent of charitable tax benefits. Professional advice may be needed to properly consider the impact of any withdrawal, including the possibility of added tax penalties.
The Marriott School can be designated as the beneficiary of all or a portion of a retirement account at death. A gift of this type provides an estate tax charitable deduction for the value of the amount distributed to the Marriott School. It also provides important benefits by limiting the tax on income in respect of a decedent. Contact an LDS Foundation professional to learn more about this important benefit.
A gift of these assets during life requires that they first be withdrawn from the retirement plan and transferred to LDS Foundation in the name of the Marriott School. Normally the amount withdrawn is fully taxable to the owner of the plan. The resulting gift is then deductible to the extent of 50 percent of adjusted gross income, limiting the extent of charitable tax benefits. Professional advice may be needed to properly consider the impact of any withdrawal, including the possibility of added tax penalties.
The Marriott School can be designated as the beneficiary of all or a portion of a retirement account at death. A gift of this type provides an estate tax charitable deduction for the value of the amount distributed to the Marriott School. It also provides important benefits by limiting the tax on income in respect of a decedent. Contact an LDS Foundation professional to learn more about this important benefit.
The typical donor:
- Has substantial sources of retirement income
- Has other assets to pass to heirs.
- Wants to make a substantial gift at death.
Gifts features and benefits:
- Estate tax deduction (gift at death)
- Available if needed during life (gift at death)
- Avoidance of taxable withdrawals (gift at death)
- A significant gift to charity (gift during life or at death)
How Do I Make a Gift of Retirement Plan Assets?
To complete a gift of retirement assets
during life, counsel with your financial advisor to determine the tax
consequences of withdrawing taxable funds (including any early withdrawal
penalties). Compare this information with the income tax deduction you
will receive from making a gift to the Marriott School.
To complete a gift of retirement assets at your death, contact your plan administrator and name the Marriott School as the "primary beneficiary" on the appropriate form provided by your plan administrator. Please provide a copy of the beneficiary designation form to LDS Foundation. LDS Foundation professionals can provide you with the correct legal name of the Marriott School.
To complete a gift of retirement assets at your death, contact your plan administrator and name the Marriott School as the "primary beneficiary" on the appropriate form provided by your plan administrator. Please provide a copy of the beneficiary designation form to LDS Foundation. LDS Foundation professionals can provide you with the correct legal name of the Marriott School.
How Do I Make a Gift of Retirement Plan Assets Using Gift Planning Tools?
Retirement plan assets can make an ideal gift at death by beneficiary
designation. This allows you and your family the reassurance of
knowing that if income from the assets is needed during your lifetime,
it is available. At your death, the remaining funds in the retirement
plan are transferred to the Marriott School. Retirement plan assets
can also be used to fund a life-income gift at death such as a testamentary
Charitable Remainder Unitrust. Transferring
retirement plan assets to a charitable remainder trust at death
can provide tax savings and other benefits to you and your family.
Other Facts You Should Know about a Retirement Plan Assets
Retirement accounts are characterized as income in
respect of a decedent (IRD). Generally, IRD items are treated as taxable
income to the named beneficiary and also included in the estate of the
decedent for purposes of determining federal estate tax. However, the
IRD tax does not apply to charitable organizations. Therefore, retirement
accounts gifted to the Marriott School at death by use of a "specific
bequest" or "beneficiary designation" are fully available
for use by the receiving institution.

