A Brief Guide. . .to the benefits

As you consider your year-end tax planning, we hope you will consider making good use of the income tax charitable deduction. Your 2009 year-end gift can signicantly reduce your income taxes, while providing meaningful support for us. No matter what your income, if you itemize, you can almost always lower your income taxes through charitable giving. The amount of the income tax savings will depend on your tax bracket.

Example: If you are in a 33% income tax bracket in 2009, and you itemize your deductions, a $1,000 gift to us by December 31 will save you $330 in 2009 taxes.

Consider making more charitable gifts in those years when you have the most income – and are in the top federal income tax brackets. If such is the case for 2008, you may wish to consider accelerating future charitable gifts into this year. Check with your tax advisor. Giving is, of course, much more than tax brackets and charitable deductions. Your charitable gifts make an important difference in what we are able to accomplish. Here are some of the best 2009 year-end gift ideas. We would be pleased to provide you with further information. Also, we urge you to discuss your tax planning with your accountant or other professional advisor.

For further information
We would be pleased to provide you, your attorney, your accountant or your tax advisor with additional information and assistance. Keep in mind that the information in this brochure is necessarily general in nature. You should contact your own professional tax advisor to learn how this general information relates to your individual circumstances. Thank you for your interest and support.

For additional information, contact Bill McFarlin, Vice President for Development at 231-894-1966 or e-mail at bluelakefinearts@aol.com.

Copyright 2008 by Calder P. Sinclair