This is the time of year when many of us think about charitable giving as a part of our busy holiday to-do list. Your year-end charitable contributions bring tax benefits, so now is a good time to refresh your memory on some of the tax-smart options available to you.

Appreciated Securities – You may be able to double your tax benefits by contributing stocks, bonds, or mutual funds that are now worth more than you paid for them a year or more ago, even if they have lost some value recently. You will receive an income tax charitable deduction for the share price at the time of your gift, and you avoid the capital gains tax that you would have owed if you sold them.

Charitable Gift Annuity – Make a gift and receive fixed payments for life, now with increased annuity rates. You will receive an income tax charitable deduction, and a portion of your payments may be tax-free. If funded with appreciated securities, you may also reduce or eliminate capital gains taxes.

IRA “Charitable Rollover” – If you are age 70½ or older, an IRA Charitable Rollover, otherwise known as a qualified charitable distribution (QCD), allows you to contribute up to $108,000 in 2025 from your IRA directly to charitable organizations with no tax on the withdrawal. If you are subject to a required minimum distribution (RMD), your QCD contribution can help meet your RMD without increasing your taxable income.

Donor-Advised Fund – Donor-advised funds (DAF) are the fastest-growing charitable giving vehicle in the United States. A DAF allows you to contribute to the fund and then, over time, recommend grants from your DAF to the organizations you wish to support, like St. Mark’s School. If you already have a DAF, you may be able to create a succession plan to recommend St. Mark’s School receives all or a portion of the fund value upon termination of the fund. DAF contributions are popular at year-end since it makes your giving easy.

As always, your own advisors are in the best position to help you decide what would be most appropriate for you. We are available to work with you and your advisors as you consider gift options. Remember that some gifts can take longer to accomplish, so please be aware of timing if you are interested in meeting a year-end deadline.