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Retained Life Estates
A Retained Life Estate is for you if...
- You're considering a lifetime gift in partnership with Children's.
- Your home is your principal asset, you want to continue to live there, and you can continue to maintain it.
- You're seeking an income tax deduction, not more income.
About Retained Life Estates
You can give us your home as a charitable gift and still continue to live there for the rest of your life.
How? With a retained life estate.
This creative gift plan transfers your house to Children's but reserves a free lifetime tenancy to you. You can make a significant gift to us with the most valuable asset you hold, yet not disturb your living arrangements or your cash flow.
You will continue to be responsible for the house's ongoing taxes, structural maintenance and upkeep. Also, we mutually agree upfront about what we will do if you no longer wish to live in the house after you have donated it to us, or if you become physically unable to continue living there.
Your gift will provide you with a charitable income tax deduction, based on the fair market value of your house minus the present value of the life tenancy you have retained.
Things to Consider
Here are some considerations if you are contemplating a gift to Children's of your home.
- First, as with all gifts of real estate, we must review and approve the transfer.
- You will need to secure an independent appraisal of your home to establish its value for the deduction.
- And finally, if there is a mortgage or lien on your home it will complicate the transfer to us and could result in taxable income to you.
Our office can advise you on all these matters.
Example
You've always loved your home, and have no plans to move from it. It has appreciated significantly since you bought it, and today it is the largest asset in your estate. You are considering a gift to Children's in memory of your sister, but can't locate an asset that you can part with comfortably.
You decide to donate your house to us, retaining a life estate for yourself and your spouse. You have secured an independent appraisal stating that your house is worth $250,000. The mortgage has been paid off.
Here are the benefits of your gift:
| Donors: Husband and Wife, 70 and 68 | |
|---|---|
| Asset value | $250,000 |
| Charitable deduction | $74,229 |
How Do You Create a Retained Life Estate?
You should consult with an attorney expert in the area of charitable gifts and estate planning
For More Information
Complete the personal illustration form or contact us so that we can assist you through every step of the process.
This is not professional tax or legal advice. Donors must consult their tax and legal advisors regarding their specific situation.