This week we will focus on gifting specifically, to the church.  “Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. “ Acts 20:35  Obviously, cash is the most conventional way most people give to the church.  It’s all his anyway so why not give it back.  But are there other ways to give?  For instance, what happens if I give the church a valuable asset?  Have you ever thought of gifting funds from your IRA?  Do you know how to use a Charitable Remainder Trust?

Have you ever made this remark, “I can’t sell this stock, investment property etc… because the taxes will eat me alive!”?  You may be missing a valuable way of supporting your church.  Many clients of mine don’t realize the church may sell your stock, real estate or any other asset without paying taxes on the appreciation in the asset.  Not only do you avoid paying the tax but you make a gift to further the Kingdom in the process!How many of you have money in your IRAs you feel you will never use?  Many individuals in their 70s have large IRAs they never intend use but, the thought of taking the money out at this point and giving up to 37% of it to Uncle Sam just isn’t that appealing.  Buried in The Pension Protection Act of 2006 is a little known fact.  If you are 70 ½ or older at the time of the distribution you may give up to 100,000 (200,000 for a couple) of the funds in your IRA to a charity TAX FREE!  Although you will need to act fast, this will only be available through the end of 2007 unless it is extended.  And for those of you who need to take your minimum distribution (RMD) for 2007and   don’t want to pay the taxes, give it to the Church!  Note it is very important to make sure the distribution check is made payable and sent from your IRA directly to a charity.  The distribution cannot come to you personally to get the tax free status.

Finally, some of you may even consider the advantages of a Charitable Remainder Trust or (CRT).  You may have assets you need now but want the church to receive eventually at your death.  By the use of a CRT you can get the advantages of the tax deduction today for a gift made in the future.  There are a couple of ways to take advantage of the trust.  You may deposit assets such as the aforementioned stock or real estate into the trust.  Then sell it and reallocate the funds without paying the aforementioned capital gains tax.  You will be able to make taxable distributions later as long as a predetermined percentage of the account gets to the charity at some point in the future.  Management of the trust can even be left to children and grandchildren.  There are several aspects of a CRT you need to understand in order for it to work properly and legally so consult an estate planning attorney and a financial planner experienced in these trust accounts before using one.

There are many was to help build God’s church.  Hopefully I have given you a few new ways to fund your piece of the cornerstone! And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. Matthew 16:18.