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Some people receive periodic increases in salary or bonuses from their employers.  In many instances, families have decided that they will commit the full amount of anticipated salary increases to the vision of Trinity’s future.

In 21^st century America, many of us have lots of stuff. We suspect a number of Trinity families have resources available to them beyond their day to day living expenses.  Many Christians find joy when they give generously out of their excess.  Excess doesn’t always equate to money.  

 Maybe you own items that still have value, but are not useful to you any longer.  For example, one woman in another Lutheran church decided to sell some inherited jewelry for the Lord’s work, rather than have it remain unworn in her jewelry chest.  An avid hunter decided to sell two guns he already owned, but no longer needed, returning the proceeds to the Lord for his church’s building project. As you look around your home, the Holy Spirit may help you discover surprising ways you can help Ignite our Lord’s work at and through your church.

Over the past several years, we have seen a historic rise in the stock market.  Many stock holdings have a tremendous level of unrealized gain.  That is good news.  The bad news is that if these stocks are sold, a significant portion of the gain would be lost to taxation.  Gifts of appreciated assets – typically investment securities or real estate – can be very advantageous to both the donor and to the church.  Unlike gifts of cash that have already incurred an income tax, gifts of appreciated assets aren’t subject to capital gains tax.  In addition, the donor receives an income tax charitable deduction for the full market value of the asset.  That, in effect, makes these gifts less costly to make. Take a look at this example:

*Assumes 12-month holding period and a 6% state income tax rate 

Though it is important to invest your giving to further the mission of the ministry God has laid on your heart, it is also important to consider the tax implications of making a gift to the church.  Before making a commitment of this type, consult your CPA, tax attorney or another financial advisor.

Giving does not have to be in equal increments of the two-year period of the campaign (April 2020 to March 2022).  However, you may even want to consider an initial gift in 2019 as you prayerfully consider accelerating your generosity during the coming two giving years.  For many families and individuals, this will be a sacrificial gift and one that will need time and planning to realize.  As you think about your financial commitment to Trinity’s future, think not of just your potential to give right now, but also of your potential to give in the future.  It might be that you can make a three-year commitment in which 20 percent is given this year, 30 percent in 2020, and 50 percent the next year.

Those who are 70 ½ years or older and own a traditional IRA account can elect to make Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCD) which can satisfy your required minimum distributions for the year. A QCD provides greater tax benefits than regular contributions, particularly in light of recent federal tax reform enacted by Congress. 

As you consider the best options for you and your family, we strongly urge you to consult your tax professional or licensed financial services, representative. They can help you determine what are various giving options for you as you prayerfully prepare for commitment weekend.