According to the 2014 World Giving Index, an annual report published by the Charities Aid Foundation, the United States was ranked #1 in charitable giving. With so many ways to give, it is important to review your options to be sure that your contributions are being distributed as you intend them to be. The employees of Ambler Keenan Mitchell Johnson also love to get involved in giving. They have planned to do a firm charity drive this year, as well as a hands-on giving day together! If nothing else, a tax break is also a good motivation to give. Itemizing donations made to charity on tax returns can be beneficial in the United States, and many people do exactly this every year. If you have the right kind of asset, a Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT) can be a useful document when planning your gifting. With a Charitable Remainder Trust, you may donate to a tax-exempt charity who will act as the Trustee and manage or invest your donation money so it will produce income for the beneficiary of the CRT. The charity will pay the beneficiary named in the CRT a portion of the income generated by the trust property for a specified number of years. It is also an option to have the CRT pay the beneficiary for their entire life. At the death of the beneficiary, the remainder of the trust property is donated to charity. There are many options to consider when it comes to charitable gifting. Call the office today to meet for a free, one-hour, no obligation, initial estate planning consultation at 303-407-1542. You can discuss your wishes for distributions and review the best choices for your unique situation with a qualified and experienced estate planning attorney at Ambler Keenan Mitchell Johnson.