PLAN FOR THE FUTURE AT ANY AGE! Arrange a tax-free IRA or retirement plan bequest

If you cannot make a direct transfer at this time, it is also possible to name Earthjustice as beneficiary of your retirement plan. Arranging future gifts of retirement plan assets is usually straightforward.

Important points to consider for IRA Rollover bequest:

• As you may know, tax-favored retirement plans include but are not limited to IRAs, 401(k)s, SEP, SIMPLE and Keogh.
• Assets remaining in these accounts at the owner's death may be subject to both income and estate taxes unless the heir is the owner's spouse or a charity.
• If a spouse is named beneficiary, then his/her distributions are also taxed entirely as ordinary income.
• If a charity is the designated beneficiary, the entire asset is gifted without any income tax to the surviving spouse. This reduces the size of the estate and may also greatly reduce and even eliminate the estate tax.

How to arrange an IRA bequest:

• Consult your advisor and contact your plan administrator and request a Change of Beneficiary form.
• Use the form to name which loved ones and charities and what amount or percentage of assets that you wish each to receive after your lifetime.
• Should your situation change, you can follow the same procedure to change the beneficiaries.
• You might also be able to designate a beneficiary of your IRA through your will or living trust.
• Contact Earthjustice at (800) 584-6460 so we can welcome you to The Evergreen Council, our society that honors supporters who have established legacy gifts to benefit Earthjustice.

There are many options and choices involved in financial and estate planning. For more information on IRA gifts, please contact the planned giving program using our web form, email Legacy@earthjustice.org, or call 1-800-584-6460. We would be happy to send you information to share with your IRA custodian and financial advisor.

This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or tax advice. Earthjustice is not in a position to offer financial or estate planning advice. For specific legal and tax planning guidance, consult with professional advisor(s).

"Times are tough for everyone, but dollar for dollar, contributing to Earthjustice is how I make the greatest impact. The only way to stop polluters is through the courts, meeting them head on with the law behind you.

"Earthjustice fights to win for everyone, including retired teachers like me. Supporting Earthjustice through simple gifts like IRA rollovers, bequests and charitable gift annuities makes sense at my stage in life. I'm through building my savings and am planning for the future. Gifts like these have provided me with a lot of benefits without a lot of worry. Plus, Earthjustice staff are easy to work with!"

Betsy Furber
Minnetonka, MN