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Beneficiary Designations

Designating beneficiaries is a vital part of financial planning that permits your assets to be distributed according to your wishes after your passing. If your assets span multiple accounts, it is worth considering the beneficiary requirements and implications for each account, as well as possible tax advantages for leaving money to foundations or non-profits. This article explores the considerations involved in choosing beneficiaries and the advantages of charitable bequests.

Beneficiary Considerations by Type of Account

Different financial accounts and policies have different requirements and implications for beneficiary designations. Understanding these distinctions can help streamline the process and avoid potential complications for your heirs.

For bank accounts, you may have the option to name beneficiaries using a payable-on-death (POD) designation. This allows the account balance to transfer directly to the named beneficiary, bypassing probate and ensuring swift access to the funds. Retirement accounts, such as IRAs and 401(k)s, typically require you to designate primary and contingent beneficiaries. Failure to update these designations after significant life events, such as marriage or divorce, can result in unintended distributions that do not align with your current wishes.

Brokerage accounts may offer transfer-on-death (TOD) designations, enabling you to pass on investments without undergoing probate. Life insurance policies, on the other hand, are straightforward in their beneficiary designations. The policyholder can specify primary and secondary beneficiaries who will receive the death benefit, providing financial security for loved ones or dependents.

To ensure that your intentions remain accurate and current, you should regularly review your beneficiary designations and update as needed.

Tax Advantages of Leaving Money to Foundations or Non-Profits

Choosing to leave a portion of your assets to foundations or non-profit organizations can yield significant tax benefits while supporting causes you care deeply about. Bequests to qualified non-profits are generally exempt from estate taxes, allowing the full amount to go toward the organization’s mission. In contrast, leaving money to individuals may be subject to federal estate tax if your estate exceeds the applicable threshold.

Designating a foundation or non-profit as the beneficiary of retirement accounts can be particularly advantageous. Traditional retirement accounts, such as IRAs or 401(k)s, often carry income tax liabilities for individual beneficiaries upon withdrawal. However, tax-exempt organizations can receive these assets without incurring taxes, maximizing the impact of your charitable contribution.

While the tax benefits of charitable bequests are compelling, it’s important to balance them with the needs of your loved ones. A thoughtful approach, combining charitable giving with individual inheritances, can achieve both personal and philanthropic goals.

Conclusion

Planning for your estate requires careful consideration and updates to your beneficiaries. Understanding the implications of beneficiary designations across various account types and evaluating the tax advantages of leaving money to foundations or non-profits can help you make informed decisions that reflect your values and priorities. Consulting with a financial advisor or estate planning attorney can provide tailored guidance so that your estate is distributed according to your wishes. Taking the time to plan now can help provide for your loved ones while supporting causes that matter to you.

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This article was originally published by Raymond James at: https://www.raymondjames.com/commentary-and-insights/markets-investing/2025/04/21/tariffs-and-policy-uncertainty-weighs-on-economic-and-investing-outlooks

Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Reynolds Wealth Management is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Any opinions are those of Jefferson Hankins and Kurt Boggs and not necessarily those of Raymond James. This information is intended to be educational and is not tailored to the investment needs of any specific investor. Every investor’s situation is unique, and you should consider your investment goals, risk tolerance and time horizon before making any investment. Prior to making an investment decision, please consult with your financial advisor about your individual situation. Raymond James and its advisors do not offer tax or legal advice. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional.

This content was created with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI). While efforts have been made to ensure the quality and reliability of the content, it is important to note that AI-generated content may not always reflect the most current developments or nuanced human perspectives.