Continuation of $100,000 IRA Charitable Rollover Proposed
On April 17, Senators Max Baucus (D-MT) and Charles Grassley (R-IA) introduced a bill for 2008 and 2009 which would extend certain tax laws until December 31, 2009. The bill includes an increase in the AMT exemption for 2008 to $46,200 for individuals and $69,950 for couples, energy credits and tax extenders. The most notable extension is the Charitable IRA Rollover - IRA owners over age 70½ would be able transfer tax-free up to $100,000 directly to qualified charities, as was allowed last year.
I only had one client inform me that he did the full $100,000 charitable rollover in 2007, but I am certainly in favor of contuining this benefit. Taking the $100,000 as income and then taking a deduction for the same amount, if possible, is generally not as favorable from a tax standpoint.
We used this IRA charitable gift provision last year and desire to see it approved permanently. We believe non-profit organizations can more effectively assist and resolve social issues than can the government.