Charitable Estate Planning

Habitat homes couldn't stand without the support of a strong foundation built by caring hands. In much the same way, your estate plans would not be complete without the benefit of a valid will in which you carefully explain your wishes.

As the most popular estate planning tool, a will outlines provisions for family members, other loved ones, and charitable interests. By making a will, you can save your heirs unnecessary expenses and "red tape" that could burden them if you fail to plan.

Additionally, for many friends of Habitat for Humanity, balancing charitable wishes with their estate plans is crucial to helping them achieve their overall goals. A will allows you to extend your support of Habitat's work beyond your life­time—making a difference in the lives of a new generation of proud homeowners.

To include Habitat for Humanity of the West Valley in your will, simply ask your attorney to include a bequest in your will to Habitat. Our legal name is: Habitat for Humanity of the West Valley. Our tax ID number is: 74-2401708.

How YOU can make a difference...

Cash

Cash donations are the perfect gift to:

• Provide resources immediately available for the building materials necessary to meet current construction deadlines.

• Receive an income tax deduction of up to 50% of your adjusted gross income.

Securities and Stock

Securities and stocks are the perfect gift to:

• Avoid capital gain taxes on Long-term appreciated stocks.

• Claim an income tax deduction for the loss on securities that have decreased in value.

Gift Annuities

Gift Annuities are the perfect gift to:

• Guarantee one or two of your beneficiaries a fixed income for life, some of which may be tax-free.

• Receive a charitable deduction the year the gift is made.

Life Insurance

Life Insurance is the perfect gift to:

• Receive a tax reduction for an existing paid-up policy no longer needed for its original purpose.

• Receive charitable deductions for annual premiums made on a policy for which you irrevocably name Habitat for Humanity of the West Valley as the owner and beneficiary.

Retirement Plan Assets

Retirement Plan Assets are the perfect gift to:

• Help your family avoid estate tax and deferred income tax of up to 80% on the remainder of your retirement plan assets.

• Deduct from your estate the remainder of your IRA, Keogh, tax-sheltered annuity, qualified pension or profit-sharing plan, any of which you can designate Habitat for Humanity of the West Valley as a tax-free beneficiary.
  
  

Charitable Remainder Trust

If you have some stock or other highly-appreciated assets that you'd like to receive more income from, but can't because of the capital gains tax, this option may work for you.

You can sell the asset within the trust and dramatically reduce capital gains tax. You, as the trustee, then reinvest the proceeds to provide a nice income for you and/or your family for life—allowing you to receive more income over than if you had sold the asset yourself. You also receive an immediate tax deduction. This idea allows you to diversify your portfolio, reduce estate tax, provide more for heirs and best of all—help build a nice new home for a Habitat family.

Every one of these planned giving options is an opportunity for low-income hardworking Habitat families to own decent, affordable homes… and an opportunity for you to secure your own family’s financial freedom today and in the future.

If you would like to give in ways that will bring the biggest possible smiles, hugs and thank you’s from Habitat families as well as your own, please contact Karen Tremper, Director of Development at (623) 583-2417.