Dear Fellow REEF Supporters,
I wanted to share with you a great opportunity to support a worthy cause while potentially saving on your taxes. Below is the story of my recent contribution experience.
If you have an individual retirement account (IRA), and are over 70 and a half years of age, you must withdraw a specific amount from your IRA, regardless of whether you need or want the money. This amount, called a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD), is added to your total income and is taxed. Since I turned 70+, there has been an on-again/off-again opportunity to contribute part or all of your RMD to a 501(c)(3) charity of your choice.
Last year I decided to contribute all of my RMD to three of my favorite charities - number one being REEF! Aside from the satisfication of supporting a wonderful cause, this contribution resulted in numerous benefits. First, all of my RMD went to supporting organizations I care about, and none went to taxes. Second, I saved on taxes overall because my income did not include the RMD. Third, and best of all, I received phone calls, letters, and special invitations from my grateful recipients! I followed the advice of my financial adviser: Give now, so people can thank you while you are still alive! It’s a great feeling.
Of course, check with your own financial adviser to see how this plan fits your individual circumstances. You can also contact REEF to discuss giving opportunities.