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Donating an IRA or other retirement assets to charity can be a tax-smart estate planning strategy

A direct gift of retirement assets to a charity is the most tax–efficient way to support causes that are important to you. It is also possible to donate retirement assets, including IRAs, 401(k)s and 403(b)s by taking a withdrawal, paying income tax on the distribution and then contributing the proceeds to charity.

Donating retirement assets

Donating during your lifetime: People who are age 72 or older can contribute up to $100,000 from their IRA directly to Yosemite Conservancy without paying income taxes on the distribution. This is known as a qualified charitable distribution. Qualified charitable distributions count as part of your required minimum distribution. To take advantage of this tax efficient strategy, contact your financial professional, then email us to let us know that you’ve made a gift through your IRA. We do not always receive a donor name with your gift!

As part of your estate plan: Naming a charity such as Yosemite Conservancy as a beneficiary of your IRA can prevent potentially significant tax burdens for your loved ones. By naming Yosemite Conservancy as a beneficiary of your account, the percentage you designate passes outside of your taxable estate, minimizing income taxes your individual heirs might owe and creating an impactful gift for Yosemite.  

Create a legacy for Yosemite through your IRA

To add Yosemite Conservancy as a beneficiary of your IRA or other retirement account, you don’t need to meet with an attorney or sign legal documents. You can simply contact your financial institution or plan administrator and request a beneficiary form. Their form will allow you to direct a percentage or share to your beneficiaries. To designate Yosemite Conservancy, you will most likely need our office address and our Federal Tax Identification number:

Yosemite Conservancy
101 Montgomery Street, #2450, San Francisco, CA 94104
Tax ID: 94-3058041

Informing Yosemite Conservancy when you include us as a beneficiary is not required, but it can help us make sure your wishes are fulfilled when the time comes. It also gives us a chance to thank you.

We recognize donors who make gifts of this nature as members of our Legacy Society. To learn more, please contact us at [email protected] or (415) 891-1039.