Philanthropy, Charitable Giving, Wealth Management

Updated Thursday, June 20, 2013 as of 2:17 AM ET

Portfolio - Philanthropy

Arecent ruling by the U.S. Tax Court has blunted the effectiveness of one popular estate planning tool. But in the process, tax lawyers say, another device, the charitable lead annuity trust, has become even more attractive.

In a March decision, the court rejected one use of a tax-reduction technique called discounting. The ruling is viewed by some attorneys as a red flag, and they are warning clients and their financial advisors to stop using discounting altogether. more »

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More Giving with Complex Assets

Karla D'Alleva Valas, a managing director of the Complex Asset Group for Fidelity Charitable, says she cringes during her church's services when congregants drop envelopes of what she assumes is cash into the donations basket. Why? Cash is expensive, she told advisors at the Women Advisors Forum in Dallas on Thursday. more »

Advisors Miss Out By Not Talking Philanthropy With Clients

Financial advisors underestimate their clients’ interests in philanthropy, and consequently miss out on opportunities to tap into those passions and expand those relationships. more »

FPA to Partner With FFP on Pro Bono Projects

The Financial Planning Association and the Foundation for Financial Planning are joining forces to boost the organizations’ pro bono efforts. more »

IRS Warns on Boston, Texas Charity Scams

The Internal Revenue Service is warning potential donors to beware of charity scams operating in the wake of the explosions last week at the Boston Marathon and a Texas fertilizer plant. more »

Charities Worried About Obama Budget Plan

A group representing charitable organizations said it is concerned about a proposed cap to the charitable tax deduction included in President Obama's budget plan. more »

Coach's Corner: Charitable Planning

Helping clients with charitable planning changes the conversation and the dynamic of the client-advisor relationship says advisor coach Matthew Halloran. more »

Charities Worry About Cap on Tax Deductions

A coalition of charities has expressed concerns about a Senate budget proposal that could potentially place a limit on charitable deductions. more »

Ultra-Wealthy Want to Donate More, Measure Impact More Clearly

More than one in five worry they may not be doing enough to make a difference, with 82% subscribing to the belief that greater wealth brings a greater obligation to be philanthropic. more »

When Clients Fight Over Money: What to Do

What's worse than battling with a loved one over money? Watching another couple argue about money ... right in your conference room. more »

Retirement Advisor Confidence Index: Optimism Grows

After election jitters and the fiscal cliff melodrama, advisors find optimism - and a planning opportunity. more »

Tax Season Warning: $25K Donation Deduction Denied

As we head into the 2013 tax season, advisors should tell clients to be sure they won’t be hit with a Durden-style disallowance more »

Fidelity Sees Flurry of Charitable Giving in 2012

Taxes and the economy colluded to make 2012 a record year for grants and contributions. more »

Season of Giving Won't Be Derailed by Fiscal Cliff

Potential tax increases influence timing and structure of gifts but not so much the amount, according to Bank of America’s study of High Net Worth Philanthropy more »

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