by the Charitable Strategies Group at DAFgiving360^TM

For donors seeking a payment stream, a Charitable Gift Annuity ("CGA") may be a great option. Donors should work with a tax advisor to confirm that a CGA will provide the expected results with respect to the income tax consequences of the gift.

DAFgiving360 does not act as trust or custodian. Please consult your legal or tax advisor about your particular circumstances.

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A charitable gift annuity (CGA) is a contract under which a 501(c)(3) qualified public charity, in return for an irrevocable transfer of cash or other property, agrees to make lifetime payments to the annuitant(s). The maximum number of annuitants is two, and payments can be made to them jointly or successively. The charity will determine the payout amount based on actuarial factors.

Unlike a Charitable Remainder Trust, part of the gift may be used immediately by the charity with the remainder of the gift invested in an account to provide for the annuitant’s payment stream.

• Claim an income tax charitable deduction. Donors who itemize deductions can claim a charitable deduction for a portion of the original gift. This deduction is equal to the amount of the contribution less the present value of the payments that will be made to the annuitant during life. The present value of those payments is determined using IRS tables regarding life expectancy and assumed earnings, and taking into consideration the amount contributed and the gift annuity rate.
• Fund your legacy with a charitable gift annuity. With certain charities, a donor who is interested in a payment stream can also fund their charitable legacy by granting the remainder to a family donor-advised fund (DAF) account. Not only will the donor enjoy additional retirement payments, but can also be assured that their charitable causes will be supported after the donor’s death. Please contact DAFgiving360 for more information.
• Report charitable gift annuity payments. If the CGA is funded with cash, part of the payments will be taxed as ordinary income and part will be tax-free. If funded with appreciated securities owned more than one year, and the donor is receiving the annuity payments, part of the payments will be taxed as ordinary income, part as capital gain, and part may be tax-free. The charity that issues the annuity will send a Form 1099-R to the annuitant. This form will specify how the payments should be reported for income tax purposes.