Susan, 60, wants to make a gift to Siena College but would also like more income in the future. Susan creates a charitable remainder unitrust with annual lifetime payments to her equal to 6 percent of the fair market value of the trust assets as revalued annually. She funds the trust with assets valued at $250,000.
Susan receives $30,000 the first year from the trust. Subsequent payment amounts vary each year depending on the annual valuations of the trust assets. She is eligible for a federal income tax charitable deduction of $276,880* in the year she creates and funds the trust. This deduction saves Susan $88,232 in her 32 percent tax bracket.
*Based on annual payments and a 3.2 percent charitable midterm federal rate. Deductions and calculations will vary depending on your personal circumstances.