Life insurance provides an affordable way to make a significant gift to your favourite charities.
By giving through life insurance you can:
make a substantial charitable donation for a comparatively small premium
become a major benefactor right now, rather than waiting years to make your gift from accumulated assets
gain tax benefits and guarantee the value of your gift will not be reduced by taxes, probate, or administrative costs
make a significant gift of funds that are considered independent of your estate, and therefore cannot be challenged
keep your gift private and confidential.
There are many options for making a gift of life insurance. Some, like the first three listed below, can provide for a generous future gift while offering immediate tax relief. The method you choose will depend on your preference and circumstances.
Transfer ownership of an existing, fully-paid policy - Perhaps you hold a policy that, while fully paid, is no longer required as your family has grown or your financial situation changed. You can transfer ownership of the policy to the charity of your choice and name it as the beneficiary. You will receive a donation receipt for the fair market value* immediately, just as if you had made a cash donation.
Sign over a partially-paid policy - When you transfer ownership of a policy that is partially paid and name the charity as beneficiary, you will receive a tax receipt for the fair market value*, as well as for further premiums you pay on the policy.
Purchase a new policy and make your favourite charity the owner - When you make the charity the owner and beneficiary of a policy, you are entitled to tax receipts for premium payments.
Make the charity the beneficiary of your policy without transferring ownership - The proceeds of the policy will be paid to the charity immediately upon your death and your estate will receive a charitable donation receipt for the amount of the insurance proceeds.
Make your estate the beneficiary of the life insurance policy and bequeath the amount of the policy to your charity in your Will - You will not receive tax benefits during your life, but your estate's tax liability will be reduced. However, your donation will be delayed while your estate is processed and because your Will can be challenged or your estate reduced by fees/creditors, the full value of your intended contribution to your charity may be diminished.
* When you receive a tax receipt for the cash value, you may have to claim some portion of the cash value amount as income to offset the tax credit.
Please contact us today for your no-obligation consultation. We look forward to helping you and your family.
To learn more simply fill out this form or call us at 416-364-2929 or 1-866-566-2001.
"Between my business and my family - I have never been busier. My time is devoted to helping my clients succeed and growing our company. Mark Halpern helped me to organize my personal financial affairs. The unique thing about dealing with Mark is that he genuinely cares about me and my family. I recommend him highly to anyone in need of a consummate professional."
David Toyne
President, Thomson Financial Canada
"When it comes to insurance, Mark Halpern is my 'go-to-guy'. I recommend him highly to any busy person without the time, expertise, or inclination to handle complicated insurance matters for their family or business."
Brian J. Singer, BA MBA
Investment Advisor
Raymond James Ltd.
"I had been declined for life insurance over several years and had pretty much given up. Then I heard Mark's radio ads, went to the website and read the testimonials from significant business owners and professionals who apparently had similar challenges, yet Mark got them the protection they needed. After meeting Mark I felt confident that if he could not do it, nobody could. He put me in touch with a top medical doctor for a complete work up and tests. Several months after completion, we submitted an application into the largest insurance company in Canada and I was thrilled to be offered the life insurance and critical illness insurance that I wanted. I meet people all the time who promise big and don't deliver. It is rare to meet someone as competent as Mark who is a man of his word from day one. I trust him completely and appreciate his professionalism and hard work. I have already started referring him to my family, friends and clients."
R.S.
Merchant Banker
"I have known Mark for about 10 years. He is entirely honest and trustworthy, and exceptionally knowledgeable about insurance and money management. On top of that, he is one of the most personable people I know and gives you all the time you need to discuss issues of concern. I highly recommend his services."
Aaron Mitnick
Lawyer
Botnick Legal Services