Gifts That May Reduce Your Taxes

The various ways to support Water for South Sudan may also help reduce income taxes, estate taxes, and capital gains taxes.

IRA Charitable Distribution

You can use your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) to make a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) from your IRA directly to Water for South Sudan, so it does not create taxable income for you.

  • If you're 70 1/2 years old or older, you can make a tax-free gift from your IRA to Water for South Sudan through a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). Your gift counts toward your annual Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) and avoids taxable income.

    • You can give up to $100,000 per year ($200,000 for married couples)

    • The transfer must go directly from your IRA to Water for South Sudan.

    • QCDs are not tax-deductible but offer tax advantages by lowering your taxable income.

    Contact your IRA custodian for the next steps. Please notify us or call 585-383-0410 so we can appropriately acknowledge your gift.

Retirement Plan

Naming Water for South Sudan as a beneficiary of your retirement account—such as an IRA, 401(k), or 403 (b)—is a way to leave a legacy and reduce potential tax burden on your heirs.

  • Water for South Sudan is tax-exempt and eligible to receive the full value of your retirement assets. For example, a $100,000 IRA gift to WFSS is worth the full $100,000, whereas the same gift to an individual could be reduced by income taxes of up to 37%.

    To make this type of gift, simply contact your plan’s administrator to list

    • Beneficiary Name: Water for South Sudan, Inc.

    • Federal Tax ID: 20-0291592.

    Please notify us or call 585-383-0410 so we can appropriately acknowledge your gift.

Life Insurance Plan

Donating a life insurance policy is an affordable way to make a meaningful impact while receiving potential tax benefits during your lifetime.

  • Benefits include:

    • Making a significant gift for a relatively low cost.

    • Receiving immediate tax savings.

    • Reducing estate taxes.

    To set up a gift, contact your insurance provider and name Water for South Sudan, Inc. as a beneficiary of your policy.

    Please notify us of your gift or call 585-383-0410.

Gifts of Real Estate

A gift of real estate—such as a home, land, or other property—can be a transformative way to support Water for South Sudan while providing you with significant tax advantages.

  • Benefits include:

    • Receiving a charitable deduction for the fair market value of your property.

    • Possibility of avoiding capital gain taxes on appreciate real estate.

    • Reducing the size of your taxable estate.

    To explore this option, please consult your financial advisor and notify us or call 585-383-0410 to discuss the next steps.

Gifts of Stock

Donating appreciated stocks, bonds, or mutual funds is a powerful way to support clean water projects in South Sudan. You may be eligible for a charitable deduction for the full fair market value of the stock and avoid capital gains tax.

  • Stock donations may be transferred electronically or delivered to any Charles Schwab office.

    • Account Name: Water for South Sudan, Inc.

    • DTC#: 0164

    • Account #: 4541-6397

    After initiating your gift, please notify us or call 585-383-0410 so we can appropriately acknowledge your gift.

    You can also give stock online (3% transaction fee) at DonateStock.com/water-for-south-sudan.