Year End Gift Giving Ideas
Are you struggling to find the perfect gift for your loved ones? Are you having trouble buying something for the person who has everything? Do your loved ones need another pair of socks, matching pajamas, or decorative hand towels? It can be challenging to buy gifts for others, so here are a few last-minute ideas.
Cash. You can give away $16,000 per person without impacting your estate and gift tax exclusion, and it is not limited to family members. If you're inclined, you can gift $16,000 to friends, neighbors, co-workers, and strangers.
Appreciated Securities. If you still own an appreciated security or two, consider donating it to your favorite charity. The charity receives your stock, and you receive a tax deduction. More importantly, you won't pay a capital gains tax when you donate your shares, nor does the charity.
Donor Advised Fund (DAF). If you're unsure where to donate your dollars, consider establishing a donor-advised fund and giving your money away later. You'll receive a tax deduction when you contribute money to your fund, but you don't have to distribute the funds immediately. For example, if you contribute $100,000 to a DAF today, you can give away smaller amounts over the coming years to multiple charities. Here is a link to Schwab's Charitable Fund: https://www.schwabcharitable.org/donor-advised-funds
Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). If you're 70 ½ or older, you can distribute up to $100,000 from your IRA to charitable organizations. In addition to supporting a nonprofit, the distribution fulfills your annual required minimum distribution (RMD). You won't receive a tax deduction for your gift or pay taxes on the distribution. It's a win-win.
Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT). A CRT is similar to a donor-advised fund, except you'll receive income from your gift and the charity receives your remaining assets at your death. For example, if you donate $1 million to a CRT, you may receive annual income in the range of $50,000 to $80,000, and when you pass, the remaining assets are sent to the organization you selected.
529 Education Plan. The gift of education is priceless. If you have grandchildren or great-grandchildren, consider establishing a 529 education plan. The money grows tax-free if you use the funds for education expenses. A 529 plan can pay for tuition at multiple levels, including K through 12, college, trade, graduate, law, or med school.
Fruitcake. It's an excellent gift, and it will never expire!
It's the gift-giving season. If you have ample resources, consider helping those in need or supporting the next generation. Your gift will spread joy and cheer for years to come.
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. ~ 2 Corinthians 9:7
November 21, 2022
Bill Parrott, CFP®, is the President and CEO of Parrott Wealth Management in Austin, Texas. Parrott Wealth Management is a fee-only, fiduciary, registered investment advisor firm. Our goal is to remove complexity, confusion, and worry from the investment and financial planning process so our clients can pursue a life of purpose. Our firm does not have an asset or fee minimum, and we work with anybody who needs financial help regardless of age, income, or asset level. PWM's custodian is TD Ameritrade, and our annual fee starts at .5% of your assets and drops depending on the level of your assets.
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