The Gift of Nature is Priceless
Douglas Squirrel by Jennifer Holmes.
There are many ways to support the Land Trust in addition to outright cash donations. To determine which method of giving is best for you consult with your accountant or tax professional.
When transferring gifts or assets, please call us at 360.222.3310 or email us at info@wclt.org to notify us of your intentions. You may direct or transfer a donation of securities to our account directly. Locate account information here.
Securities, Stocks and Bonds
There are many tax benefits to giving stock or other securities, such as bonds or mutual funds, to the Land Trust. If you have held your stock for more than one year and it has appreciated, you could receive a greater tax benefit than if you gave a cash gift.
Once a gift is received, the Land Trust sells the securities and uses the proceeds to implement the Land Trust’s conservation mission. The donor gets an income tax charitable deduction based on the fair market value of the securities and avoids capital gains tax.
IRA’s or Retirement Plans
Individuals age 70 ½ or older can donate up to $100,000 directly to the Land Trust from their individual retirement accounts without it being treated as taxable income. Your plan administrator should issue the donation in the form of a check made out directly to the Whidbey Camano Land Trust.
Studies show that gifting funds directly from your IRA is one of the most tax beneficial means of charitable giving. While this donation cannot be claimed as a charitable deduction, donors could realize other benefits by reducing their taxable income.
You may also name the Land Trust as the beneficiary of a portion or all of your IRA, 401(k), or other retirement plans. When your estate is settled, the amount designated passes to the Land Trust and your heirs avoid income and estate tax.
Questions?
Please consider the Land Trust for a direct gift to continue to conserve these treasured islands. Questions? Call us at 360.222.3310 or email neena@wclt.org.
