Term Insurance - Term Life Insurance As Charitable Gifts

Typically, when we take out term life insurance it is purchased while we are younger and just starting our families. After some years, a policy becomes old and outlives its original intention: perhaps your spouse no longer needs financial security or your children are now financially independent. In these cases, individuals decide to leave their term life insurance policies as gifts to their favorite charities. This is particularly beneficial to individuals who have large financial assets as they can use their contributions as tax deductions for their estates.- Term Insuracne

There are several ways in which to give a gift of life insurance to a charitable cause. First, you can purchase a new term life insurance policy altogether, leaving the charity of your choice as the beneficiary. Or, you can simply change the beneficiary of your existing term life insurance policy. Upon your death, the named charity would receive full face value of your policy.

When you list a charity as your beneficiary, you will need to have the following information:

1. The full legal name of the charitable organization.

2. The charity's permanent mailing address.

3. Your charity's federal tax identification number.

4. Your relationship to the beneficiary: to be listed as "charity"

Charities always have someone in charge of organizing and accepting gifts and donations. You can be certain that they will be happy to help you should you have any questions on the gift giving process or need help in filing any forms.

Rules for Paid or Unpaid Policies

If you choose to name a charity as the beneficiary of an already existing paid-in-full term life insurance policy, you may be able to deduct an amount equal to the fair market value of the policy, or your cost basis, whichever is less. Since your charity becomes the owner of your policy, the proceeds will not be included in your estate for tax purposes.

If you are still making annual premium payments on your policy, you may be able to deduct an amount equal to the approximate cash value of the policy or the policy's cost basis, whichever is less, in the year in which you make the gift. Again, the proceeds will not be included in your estate for tax purposes. You may also be able to deduct any future premium payments.- Term Insuracne

Group Term Life Insurance

If you participate in a group term life insurance policy through your workplace, you can donate your excess coverage to your favorite charity as well. Many employers provide generous life insurance coverage as a fringe benefit to their employees. However, most employers do not tell you that you are also required to pay income tax on the cost of coverage over $50,000.00. read more http://www.terminsurance.pannipa.com/2009/09/term-life-insurance-as-charitable-gifts/