Grand Rapids, Michigan – Since 1974, millions of Americans have saved billions of pre-tax dollars in Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). With continued savings and investment returns, an estimated $3.6 trillion is currently invested in IRAs, and the total continues to grow. Today, a federal law was enacted allowing IRA owners to share the wealth of their retirement savings by giving directly to charity—without first counting it as income and paying income tax. The new law could be a boon to philanthropy. "This is a wonderful win-win—for people who would rather give to nonprofits than pay taxes—and to the nonprofit organizations they choose to support," said Diana R. Sieger, President of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation. Thanks to decades of deliberate saving and favorable investment returns, a substantial share of today's retirees have more money in their IRAs than they'll ever need. Many have expressed an interest in giving the funds to charity, but income tax must be paid on all withdrawals, which sharply reduces the value of the gift. Others have asked about designating their children as beneficiaries, but that may draw additional tax consequences. “For larger estates, a good portion of IRA wealth goes to estate taxes and income taxes of beneficiaries,” Sieger said. “Experts estimate heirs will receive less than 25% of most IRA assets that pass through estates.” A provision in the new federal Pension Protection Act of 2006, signed by President Bush today, creates a new option: transferring IRA assets directly to charity. By going directly to charity, the money is not included in the IRA holder’s income and—most importantly—is not taxed, preserving the full amount for charitable purposes. The law covers all gifts made in 2006 and through 2007. New Pension Law Also Provides for Nonprofits In 2006 and 2007, holders of traditional and Roth IRAs who are at least 70 ½ years old can make direct charitable transfers up to $100,000 per year. As a qualified public charity, the Grand Rapids Community Foundation can help donors execute the transfers and choose from several charitable fund options for their gift. Donor Advised Funds do not qualify for tax-free IRA transfers, but gifts to the Community Foundation’s Fund for the Common Good or a field of interest fund will. "This really is a limited-time offer: the window is open now, but it will close in 2007 unless Congress extends it," said Sieger. "For anyone interested in establishing a permanent legacy for the good of Kent County, this might be the opportunity of a lifetime to make the gift of a lifetime." For information about the new IRA gift provision, call the Grand Rapids Community Foundation at 616.454.1751.