10 Tips for Smart Year-End Giving & Tax Planning

As the year winds down, many people begin thinking about how to make a meaningful difference and be thoughtful about year-end tax planning. Whether you're giving to support the causes you care about, preparing for required minimum distributions, or thinking ahead to the legacy you hope to leave, here are ten things to keep in mind as you plan your charitable giving this season.

Give Early...or at Least Sooner Rather Than Later

By the time you're reading this, we're already well into December, and that's okay! Even though "early" may have passed, initiating your year-end gift now is still one of the best ways to ensure it's completed and properly processed before December 31st. Advisors, banks, and custodians are extremely busy this time of year, so acting promptly helps avoid delays and ensures your gift counts for the 2025 tax year.

Consider a Gift of Appreciated Assets

Gifts of publicly traded stock, commodities, or other appreciated assets can provide meaningful tax advantages. When donated directly to SVCF, donors often avoid capital gains tax while still receiving a charitable deduction for the fair market value.

Use A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)

If you're age 70 ½ or older, you can make a tax-free distribution from your IRA directly to a public charity such as SVCF. This can be especially helpful for donors who want to reduce their taxable income while supporting local needs. Note: QCDs cannot be made to donor-advised funds, but they can support SVCF's Community Impact Fund or other qualifying funds.

Bundle Your Giving for a Bigger Impact

If you don’t regularly itemize deductions, consider “bunching” two years' worth of giving into one tax year. This strategy can help you exceed the standard deduction threshold and maximize tax benefits. 

Look Beyond Cash, Consider What You Already Own

For many donors, their most significant assets aren’t sitting in a checking account. Gifts of farmland, grain, business interests, or other non-cash assets can support charitable goals while offering unique tax advantages. 

Know What Types of Funds Can Receive Which Gifts

Because of IRS rules:

• Donor-advised funds cannot receive QCDs 

• Most other SVCF funds can

If you aren’t sure which fund can receive your intended gift, SVCF can work directly with you and your financial advisor to determine the best fit. 

Put Your Minimum Distribution (RMD) to Work

If you must take an RMD this year, directing part of it as a QCD can satisfy your obligation and reduce your taxable income. It’s one of the most tax-efficient ways to support a cause you care about.

Review Beneficiary Designations

Year-end is an ideal time to update the beneficiaries on retirement accounts, life insurance policies, or investment accounts. Naming SVCF as a beneficiary is a simple way to create a legacy without rewriting your will.

Involve Your Professional Advisors Early

Your financial advisor, attorney, or CPA can help you align your giving with your broader financial goals. Early conversations allow time for creative, strategic planning, especially for gifts that require extra coordination. 

Give with Purpose, and Think Long Term

Your year-end gift is more than a tax strategy. It’s a way to strengthen Mitchell County for generations to come. When you give to SVCF, you’re investing in local nonprofits, community projects, and long-term solutions that will continue to grow long after the calendar turns to a new year. 

Ready to make your year-end gift? Our team is here to help you give confidently and strategically. Whether you’re considering a QCD, a gift of stock, or exploring a legacy plan, SVCF can work alongside you and your advisors to find the best path forward. Contact SVCF Executive Director, Julia Rabe, at 785-833-6153 or by email at julia@solomonvalleycf.org