Gifts That Reduce Your Taxes

By contributing to Richmond Law, you may be able to take advantage of immediate tax benefits or arrange a future gift to provide tax advantages for your loved ones.

For additional information about gifts that may qualify for a tax deduction in the year they are made, view our Income Tax Charitable Deduction fact sheet.

  • Gifts of Cash

    An outright gift of cash may help reduce income taxes in the year it is made. Gifts of cash are simple and straightforward and can be made online on the Richmond Law Giving website or mailed to the address below.

    Law School Advancement
    University of Richmond School of Law
    203 Richmond Way
    University of Richmond, VA 23173

  • Stocks and Other Securities

    Gifts of appreciated securities are a smart way to maximize the effectiveness of your charitable giving and may make you eligible for a double tax benefit. If you have held stocks or mutual funds for more than a year, and they have increased in value, you may want to consider using these assets (rather than cash) to fund your giving. 

    Subject to certain restrictions, transferring ownership of your long-term security to the University of Richmond School of Law allows you to avoid the capital gains tax you would pay if it were sold, and you may claim a charitable income tax deduction for the current fair market value of the asset. In addition, when we sell the stock, we keep every penny of the proceeds since we are a tax-exempt organization.

    Note: Be sure to transfer the stock directly to us. Do not sell the stock, or you will lose this important tax advantage.

    Learn How to Donate Securities Here

  • IRA Gifts

    If you are 70½ or older, you can make tax-smart gifts to the University of Richmond School of Law through your IRA. By authorizing a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD), you can donate up to $105,000 (in 2024) to eligible charities like the law school. Although there is no tax deduction, the distribution is excluded from your income for federal tax purposes. A QCD from an IRA also counts toward a donor’s required minimum distribution if one is due. Calculate your required minimum distribution here. 

    Contact your IRA administrator/custodian for instructions on how to authorize a Qualified Charitable Distribution to the University of Richmond School of Law.

  • Retirement Account Assets

    Retirement account assets left to loved ones can be subject to higher taxation than other types of assets because they may face both estate taxes at the time of your passing and income taxes when your beneficiaries withdraw funds. However, when retirement assets are left to a charity, they typically qualify for both income- and estate-tax charitable deductions, allowing the charity to receive the assets tax-free.

    By making the University of Richmond School of Law the beneficiary of your IRA, 401(k), or other qualified retirement account (and selecting alternative assets to leave to family members), you may be able to reduce taxes that otherwise would be imposed and leave more to your other beneficiaries.

Every situation is different, so it’s important to examine your charitable goals, lifetime income needs, and family situation. The content on this page is intended to be informational in nature only. Be sure to consult your attorney, financial advisor, or other qualified professional to understand how a gift or estate plan could impact your situation.