gifts of cash
how it works
1. You send a check, wire funds, or contribute online to Syracuse University.
2. We use your donation for the purposes you specify.
benefits
• Use the simplest asset to make your donation — no appraisal or acceptance
requirements as with gifts of appreciated property.
• • Deliver a gift that Syracuse University can use immediately.
• • Receive a full charitable deduction, and apply it against a larger percentage of your
taxable income than a deduction for a property gift: You can claim the entire amount
Your Goal(s)
of your cash gift as a charitable income tax deduction. The IRS allows you to claim
this deduction up to 50% of your adjusted gross income (AGI). If you used appreciated Reduce income taxes 3
securities or other assets to make your gift, your deduction would be the same, but you Reduce estate taxes 3
would only be able to claim the deduction up to 30% of AGI. (You can claim excess Reduce capital gains taxes 3
deductions over the five tax years following your gift.) Stable income
is this gift for you? Income hedged for inflation
A gift of cash is for you if ... Higher payout on low dividends
• You are considering an outright gift made during your lifetime. Donation Assets
Over $100,000 3
• You want a charitable deduction to offset the largest possible amount of your
Less then $100,000
taxable income.
Cash 3
• You have few appreciated, low-cost-basis securities or other assets to contribute.
Apprciated securities 3
• ou enjoy surplus cash flow after meeting your expenses. Real estate 3
Second residence
• You would like a charitable deduction today but wish to retain an income stream too.
Art, antiques, collectables
complete gift description Family business 3
If you want to help Syracuse University today and maximize your charitable deduction, consider making
About You
your gift with cash. Cash is the simplest asset to donate — there is no appraisal to secure and no
About 70 or older 3
acceptance policies to follow. It is also the simplest asset for Syracuse University to accept and
About 70 or younger 3
quickly put to good use.
Make your cash gift via a check or money order, a credit card or a wire transfer.
There’s an extra tax benefit
You can claim the entire amount of your cash gift as a charitable income tax deduction. The IRS allows you to claim this
deduction up to 50% of your adjusted gross income (AGI). If you used appreciated securities or other assets to make your gift,
your deduction would be the same, but you would only be able to claim the deduction up to 30% of AGI.
(You can claim excess deductions over the five tax years following your gift.)
for more information
Email us, giftplan@syr.edu or call us at 315-443-3033 or 888-352-9535
so that we can assist you through every step of the process.
Syracuse University Phone: 315.443.3003 Email: giftplan@syr.edu
820 Comstock Ave Toll Free: 888.352.9535
Syracuse, NY 13244-5040 Fax: 315.443.2874
Remember
Although a cash gift can provide immediate benefit to us, you can also use it to fund a life-income plan such as a charitable gift annuity.
gift example
For charitable gifts of cash, the IRS allows you to claim up to 50% of your adjusted gross income (“AGI”). However, for charitable gifts
of appreciated assets, you may deduct up to only 30% of AGI in any one year. The good news is that with both types of gifts if you
cannot use all of the deduction in any one year, then you may carry over any remainder for the next five years. We have illustrated
this below.
Gift of Cash Appreciated Assets
Donor’s AGI $300,000 $300,000
Amount of gift $200,000 $200,000
Total charitable deduction $200,000 $200,000
Deductible against % of AGI $50% $30%
Deduction in first year $150,000 $90,000
Net taxable income, first year $150,000 $210,000
Net tax in first year @35% rate $52,500 $73,500
Carryover deduction $50,000 $110,000
*This example is based on income tax rates that can change yearly. Contact our office for a personal illustration based on the latest rates.
for more information
Email us, giftplan@syr.edu or call us at 315-443-3033 or 888-352-9535
so that we can assist you through every step of the process.
Syracuse University Phone: 315.443.3003 Email: giftplan@syr.edu
820 Comstock Ave Toll Free: 888.352.9535
Syracuse, NY 13244-5040 Fax: 315.443.2874