From David Pratt and Elissa Kupferberg,
JCF Chair and Vice Chair

Even at the end of the year, it can be difficult to be charitable when you wonder if your own family will need those assets in the future. But you can make a planned gift that allows you to enjoy the benefits of account tax-saving strategies and income producing assets, while making a meaningful, lasting difference in the lives of others. Planned gifts can be made now to support immediate needs, or enacted upon your death as a legacy.  While nearly every asset could be used in planned giving, here are three in particular for you and your professional advisor to consider:

• IRAs are now attractive giving options, as the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 allows you to make a gift to the Federation from an IRA with no adverse tax consequences through the end of the year. If you are 70 ½ years or older, for a limited time you can instruct your IRA trustee to make a direct distribution of up to $100,000 per year to the Federation. You might make an annual campaign gift, or set up an endowment through the Jewish Community Foundation.

• Cash through a simple bequest of a sum or percentage of the remainder in your estate.

• Life Insurance naming the Federation as beneficiary of policies you no longer need for your family. Alternatively, you may change ownership of a policy to the Federation. This entitles a tax deduction.

For more information, call 561-852-3166 or email Carolyn Rose at carolynr@bocafed.org.