Time is running out for making tax-smart gifts and donations in 2013

You've worked hard to accumulate and protect your wealth this year. Now might be the time to consider tax-savvy ways to give some of it away.

To begin with, you might consider using the annual gift tax exclusion to give money to your family and friends in a tax-favored manner. Up to $14,000 can be given to any number of individuals per year without tapping into your lifetime federal estate tax exemption. The current lifetime exemption is a lofty $5,250,000, but making $14,000 gifts each year could help lower your taxes if your estate is eventually valued above the exemption amount.

Another way to provide for your family is investing in a student's 529 college savings plan. Such contributions can provide for tax-free appreciation and withdrawals when used for qualified college expenses.

If it's a federal income tax deduction you're after, however, your gifts will need to go to a qualified charity instead. Consider donating appreciated stocks or mutual fund shares owned for more than a year instead of donating cash. You will save on capital gains tax (which will be higher for many taxpayers in 2013) and receive a deduction equal to the market value of the security on the date of transfer.

Gifts of other types of assets, such as real estate, jewelry, and artwork, can also score a deduction this year. Be aware that if the gift is valued over $5,000, a qualified appraisal will be required. And no matter the type of gift, if its value is $250 or more, a tax receipt from the charity is required before you can write it off.

Giving away your resources in a thoughtful and tax-smart way can be as difficult as accumulating them in the first place. For help in making these important and sensitive decisions, contact our office.