'Tis the Season for Charitable Giving's Many Benefits

A person dressed in a Santa suit holds a jar filled with money and labeled 'Tis the Season to Give.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

published 19 December 2023

The holiday season is the perfect time for families to discuss charitable giving. With everyone gathered for holiday get-togethers, an opportunity opens up to teach younger members of the family the impact they can have through planned giving. This time of year serves as a reminder of the importance of giving back to your community and the feeling you get when you make an impact on the lives of others. Older generations should seize the opportunity of having everyone in one place to discuss charitable giving, among other key financial matters with younger generations.

Giving back as a family can be a powerful bridge to connect generations and create a lasting impact together. The key lies in understanding philanthropic values and employing strategies that resonate with each and every member of the family, making them feel included and valued in the process.

Charitable giving offers the opportunity for grandparents and parents to get children of all ages involved in the family finances. Even younger children can weigh in on causes they feel passionate about. Many families will give each child or grandchild a set allowance to deploy to the charities of their choice. This allows them to not only learn about making financial decisions, but also feel like their opinions matter and have an impact on the world around them. Additionally, it emphasizes and passes down the values and morals of the family to the next generation.

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Although there are many advantages to monetary contributions, giving back through volunteer efforts is another option that creates powerful learning and sharing opportunities for families. Many families choose to volunteer at local food pantries and soup kitchens throughout the year, so their children are able to see firsthand their ability to help others in need and feel empowered to do so throughout their lives.

Estate tax. By incorporating charities into your estate plan, you may be able to reduce the amount of estate and inheritance taxes.
Income tax. If you have sufficient itemized deductions to exceed the 2023 standard deduction of $27,700 for couples and $13,850 for singles, your charitable contributions can save you on income tax.
Capital gains tax. If you have owned a highly appreciated stock for over one year, you can save on capital gains taxes and possibly income tax by contributing shares of stock or other appreciated assets directly to a charity. You may be able to claim a deduction on your income tax in the amount of the market value at the time the asset was donated and avoid paying capital gains tax on the sale before making the donation. This strategy is a win for both you and the charity.

Charitable tax planning can be complex, and it is important to work with a professional on creating a strategy that will be the most tax-advantageous to your situation. Educate yourself and ask questions throughout the process to better understand the impact your dollars will have on both the world around you and your own financial situation. This could also offer a great opportunity to incorporate your children and grandchildren into conversations with your financial adviser and start healthy financial management habits early.

Before you gift, it is important to understand the options that you have. Many individuals choose to use a donor-advised fund (DAF) as a strategic and meaningful vehicle for their philanthropic endeavors. With a DAF, you make an irrevocable contribution to a public charity of your choosing. Oftentimes, this can be a convenient, flexible and tax-efficient vehicle. You can donate cash, stocks, bonds, assets such as real estate and more through a DAF.

The DAF allows you to gift your original contribution to qualified charities of your choice over time, and it can also be invested for potential future growth. For high-income earners, especially those looking to continue their commitment to charitable giving in retirement, leveraging donor-advised funds is a great option. It can be an effective planning tool and allow you to bunch multiple years of planned gifts into a single tax year to take advantage of the itemized deduction.

Marshall Financial Group, Inc (“Marshall Financial”) is an SEC-registered investment adviser with its principal place of business in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. For additional information about Marshall Financial, please request our disclosure brochure as set forth on Form ADV using the contact information set forth herein, or refer to the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website (www.adviserinfo.sec.gov). Please read the disclosure statement carefully.

Disclaimer

This article was written by and presents the views of our contributing adviser, not the Kiplinger editorial staff. You can check adviser records with the SEC or with FINRA.

Paula is the President of Marshall Financial Group in Doylestown, Pa., and has worked in the financial services industry for 19 years. She also serves as a Senior Wealth Advisor and specializes in helping corporate executives and women in transition make complex financial life decisions with comfort and confidence. She achieved her Bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University, Master of Science from the University of Florida and MBA from NYU Stern School of Business.