Parks and Wildlife Foundation Logo
   

PARKS & WILDLIFE FOUNDATION
523 East Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501-3182

Phone: 605-773-4503
E-mail:
PWF@state.sd.us


About the Foundation
Board of Directors
Projects supported by the PARKS & WILDLIFE FOUNDATION
Giving Options
Make a Contribution
Contact us

 

View of South Dakota Prairie

 

RETAINED LIFE ESTATE

A retained life estate is a gift plan defined by federal tax law that allows you to donate your home or farm to SD Parks and Wildlife Foundation while retaining the right to live in it for the rest of your life.

As the creator of a retained life estate, you irrevocably deed to SD Parks and Wildlife Foundation your home or farm, but retain the right to live in it for the rest of your life, a term of years, or a combination of the two. You may also use a vacation home to create this kind of gift.

While you retain the right to live on your property, you continue to be responsible for all routine expenses - maintenance fees, insurance, property taxes, repairs, etc. If you later decide to vacate your property, you may rent all or part of the property to someone else or sell the property in cooperation with SD Parks and Wildlife Foundation.

When your retained life estate ends, SD Parks and Wildlife Foundation can then use your property or the proceeds from the sale of your property for the purpose you designate.

EXAMPLE:

If you irrevocably transfer your home or farm, which has a total value of $50,000, to SD Parks and Wildlife Foundation and the right to live in it is retained for the lifetime benefit of an individual, age 72,

BENEFITS INCLUDE:

1) You will qualify for a federal income tax deduction of approximately $27,856. Your deduction may vary modestly depending on the timing of your gift. Note that deductions for this and other gifts of cash and non-appreciated property will be limited to 50% of your adjusted gross income. You may, if necessary, take unused deductions of this kind over the next five years, subject to the same 50% limitation.

2) You will retain the right to live on your property for the rest of your life.

3) Your estate may enjoy reduced probate costs and estate taxes.

4) You will provide generous support of SD Parks and Wildlife Foundation.

November 26, 2002

These calculations are for illustration purposes only and should not be considered legal, accounting, or other professional advice. Your actual benefits may vary depending on the timing of the gift.

For more information see our Policy Manual.

Back to Giving Options

This page was last updated July 31, 2003.