A Charitable Lead Trust – Give Income Now, Bequeath Assets Later

A charitable lead trust is an irrevocable trust designed to provide financial support to one or more charities, such as Meher Mount, for a period of time, with the remaining assets eventually going to family members or other beneficiaries.

Benefits & How It Works

A charitable lead trust can be funded either during your lifetime or through your will.

• This gift arrangement allows you to place assets into a trust that generates regular distributions in support of Meher Mount for a period of years or your lifetime. These payments can be a fixed amount or a fixed percentage of the trust value.

• When the trust ends, the assets are transferred to your heirs.

• The appreciation in the trust asset value is transferred to your heirs free of gift tax.

• Your charitable impact has a long-term value because Meher Mount receives an assured flow of funds for a number of years.

• There are no required minimum or maximum payments to Meher Mount, so long as payments are made at least annually.

Tax Advantages

When you establish your charitable lead trust, you also determine the number of years it will last and the percentage that will be used to make annual charitable gifts (the payout rate).

• Receive an immediate gift tax deduction for the present value of the distributions to Meher Mount, allowing you to pass assets to loved ones at a reduced transfer tax value.

• When the trust term ends, the remaining assets are transferred to your heirs.

• A charitable lead trust is often funded with cash or with assets that can be expected to have a significant increase in value over the duration of the trust.

• During the term of the trust, its income and capital gains may be taxable.

• Any appreciation of the assets during the term of the trust is not subject to gift tax at the trust's termination.

• Each year, the trustee will file a tax return listing the income and distributions of the trust.

How to Make a gift to Meher Mount through a Charitable Lead Trust

You will need to discuss your options with your advisors and to set up a Charitable Lead Trust through a third-party management firm. Information you will need about Meher Mount:

Legal Name: Meher Mount Corporation, a non-for-profit 501(c)3 organization
Address: 9902 Sulphur Mountain Road, Ojai, CA 93023-9374
Telephone: 805-640-0000
Federal Tax ID: 77-0236525

In order to know your wishes and appropriately credit you with your gift, please contact Robert Turnage, Treasurer, upon the completion of the Charitable Lead Trust at 916-837-3907 or robert.turnage@sbcglobal.net

Questions or Need More Information?

Conversations with Meher Mount’s planned giving team are always confidential and never imply an obligation. Robert Turnage, Treasurer for Meher Mount, will respond and provide the information you requested.

Share Your Plans to ensure your legacy

If you have already included Meher Mount in your plans (or intend to), please let Meher Mount know.  We can answer any questions your plan administrator might have.

Understanding your intentions will help Meher Mount make sure your gift is used exactly as you wish.  And we would also like to personally acknowledge your thoughtfulness and generosity.

Consult Your Personal Advisors

The information provided above is not to be construed as tax, accounting or legal advice and could change as tax laws change. You are advised to consult with your legal advisor, tax advisor, or professional estate planner to determine which options are best suited to your individual situation.