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If you can make other provisions for your family, there is a better option for your retirement plan assets—a charitable gift.
Bill is considering adding a charitable bequest to his will, with the residue of his estate passing to his children. Instead, he should consider naming the charitable organization as beneficiary of his profit-sharing account. Then the death benefit passing to the organization will not only qualify for the estate tax charitable deduction but will also pass free of any income tax obligation. His children will benefit from this change because, rather than receiving the profit-sharing account proceeds that are subject to income tax, they will receive other assets of his estate that are free of income taxes.
Be assured that donating your retirement plan assets is not an "all or nothing" proposition. You can name Marquette the primary beneficiary or the secondary beneficiary; it is also possible to specify a fixed amount for the university with the balance designated for other heirs. If you are interested in this method of making a gift, check with the administrator of your plan for the appropriate form to transfer ownership. Make sure you keep the form with your valuable papers.