PG Calc Blog

We hope that you’ll pardon the title of this article, which is a modification of the infamous James Carville campaign mantra in 1992 – “it’s the economy, stupid!” As was the case with the original phrase, this expression is meant to be tongue-in-cheek and self-directed. The tax legislation passed by Congress and signed by the President last December seems to have rendered the itemizing of personal deductions much less beneficial for large numbers of Americans. There has been considerable discussion among fundraising professionals that the result will be a dramatic decrease in charitable contributions. Whether or not you agree with that assertion, this article is about something else - the realization that the possible benefits of reducing taxes on realized capital gains by contributing appreciated securities for split-interest gift arrangements remain as powerful as ever.

On May 15, 2018, the American Council on Gift Annuities (ACGA) announced new suggested maximum gift annuity rates to replace the rates that became effective on January 1, 2012. The new rates will apply to gift annuities established on or after July 1, 2018. The new suggested maximum rates are moderately higher than the ones they replace. The new rates were set with the goal of 50% of the funding amount remaining for the charity on average. The rates also ensure a 20% present value and a contribution value of at least 10% of the funding amount at all ages down to an IRS discount rate of 2.8% (as compared to 1.4% under the January 1, 2012 rates). These additional criteria cause the maximum rates suggested for very young ages (under 20) to be lower than they otherwise would be.

This summer we asked over 340 organizations about how they market charitable gift annuities. One of the most interesting things we learned were the specific tactics organizations were trying to get the word out.

Legislation making significant changes to Wisconsin’s gift annuity regulation was recently adopted when Wisconsin Act 271, Senate Bill 152 became effective April 18th, 2014. With its enactment, it is no longer necessary for charities to register with, or submit annual reports to, the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance. However, organizations must still comply with certain requirements. The changes in Wisconsin serve as a reminder of the importance of planned giving compliance for fundraisers.(4/22/2014: A small update to Planned Giving Manager and Gift Annuity Manager will be released soon to accommodate clients that issue annuities (or are considering it) in Wisconsin. Email support@pgcalc.com to learn more.) REMINDER: If you are a current PGM client and have not received a link to the update reflecting changes to WI law, please contact Client Services (888-474-2252).