You can make a difference to the American Red Cross of Yolo County through a planned gift of some type. Call Donna Neu for more information, 530-662-4669.  Here are five ways you can make a difference today:

Gift of Cash:

The majority of gifts to the American Red Cross of Yolo County are made in the form of cash. Cash gifts entitle you to an income tax charitable deduction of up to 50 percent of your adjusted gross income. If your cash gifts exceed 50 percent of your adjusted gross income in any year, the excess may be carried forward for up to five additional years.

Gifts of Securities and Stocks:

Stocks and bonds may be given as a charitable gift to the American Red Cross of Yolo County. It is most advantageous for you to give long term appreciated stock and bonds directly to the chapter rather than to sell them and give the proceeds from the sale. Making a gift of appreciated stock or securities, you may completely avoid the capital gains tax. If you wish to make a gift of securities which have decreased in value, you are advised to sell the securities themselves and make a gift of cash to the American Red Cross of Yolo County. You may claim an income tax deduction for the loss as well as a charitable deduction for the contribution.

Gift of an Annuity

You may transfer cash, stock or other securities to the American Red Cross of Yolo County for the purpose of establishing a charitable gift annuity, which guarantees one or two beneficiaries a fixed income for life,some of which may be tax-free. You receive a charitable deduction in the year the gift is made. The size of the tax deduction is based on the amount given, the annual income and the age of the beneficiary(ies) and is computed using actuarial tables. Capital gains tax may be avoided when giving long term stocks or other securities which has risen in value.

Gift of Withdrawal from Retirement Account

You may have already set up a traditional Retirement Account and if you are 59 1/2 or over, you may wish to make charitable gifts this year. Why not combine the two activities...make a withdrawal from your retirement account, report the income on your tax return and take an equal deduction for the gift you made to the American Red Cross of Yolo County.

Gift of Insurance

You may have an existing paid-up life insurance policy which is no longer needed for its original purpose. This policy could become a generous gift to the American Red Cross of Yolo County, giving you a tax deduction. You may name the Yolo County Chapter as co-beneficiary, contingent beneficiary of an existing policy, or a remainder beneficiary in case the primary beneficiaries do not survive the policy holder. You may wish to purchase a policy and irrevocably name the Yolo County Chapter as owner and beneficiary. Annual premiums paid by the donor are a charitable deduction. Life insurance may be used to "replace" an asset given from your portfolo. You give appreciated property to the Yolo County Chapter now and replace the dollar value of the asset with life insurance to your family. The income tax savings from your give may be sufficient to pay for the "replacement" insurance.

As with all of these gifts, other than cash, we suggest you consult a qualified professional or your financial advisor, as well as call our chapter, the American Red Cross of Yolo County, at 530-662-4669.