Name JJML in Your Will or Living Trust
Make a Gift by Beneficiary Designation
Making a gift to the John Jermain Memorial Library (“JJML”) by beneficiary designation from any or all of the following types of TOD (“Transfer on Death”) accounts is a simple and tax-efficient way to fund your legacy and avoid the time and expenses that result from having the assets subject to the probate process.
Making a gift to the John Jermain Memorial Library (“JJML”) by beneficiary designation from any or all of the following types of TOD (“Transfer on Death”) accounts is a simple and tax-efficient way to fund your legacy and avoid the time and expenses that result from having the assets subject to the probate process.
Transfer on Death (TOD) Gifts may take the following forms:
- Retirement Plans: Many people do not know that when retirement plans such as pension funds, 401ks, 403bs, and IRAs are left to an individual other than a spouse, they can be subject to income taxes and estate taxes. The two taxes combined could erode up to 80% of the remaining benefits.
If given to JJML, these funds would escape all income and estate taxes and reduce the size of your total taxable estate. JJML would receive 100% of the remaining benefit in your retirement plan, whereas your heirs may receive only a portion of the benefit.
- Life Insurance: If you own a life insurance policy that is no longer needed for the protection of your family or for other purposes, you may use it to make a gift to JJML. One way to give a life insurance policy to JJML is to name JJML as the owner and irrevocable beneficiary of the policy. In doing so, you qualify for an income tax deduction for the cash value of the policy. Alternatively, you could name JJML as the beneficiary of the policy. In this case, your estate would be entitled to an estate tax deduction equal to the value of the policy.
- Financial Accounts: Many people’s primary assets are held in savings, checking and brokerage accounts. Designation of these assets incurs no cost to you and allows whatever balance (or portion thereof) remaining to pass to JJML at your death.
Completing the Designation
Naming JJML as a beneficiary of any of the abovementioned gift types is easy: Contact a representative of the institution that manages your account or policy, and request a “change of beneficiary form.” You will need the following information: Name: the John Jermain Memorial Library. Tax ID / EIN: 11-1672774.
Please consult with your accountant, attorney and/or financial advisor for advice regarding your particular circumstances. The Executive Director at JJML would be happy to assist you and your advisors in planning a beneficiary designation.