How Might Donors Maximize the Tax Benefits of their Charitable Gifting Strategy under the New Tax Code?
Depending on your level of annual gifting and filing status, donors might want to consider bi-annual contributions.  For example, the standard deduction for taxpayers married filing joint returns for 2018-2025 is $24,000.  If your annual charitable gifts are anywhere from $15,000 to $20,000 you may want to consider doubling up this year and itemizing for a deduction in 2018 and not making a gift for 2019.  By establishing a Donor Advised Fund ("DAF"), you can time your contributions in a way to benefit from the tax deduction while continuing annual gifts to your charities
 
What is a Donor Advised Fund?

Each spring, interest rates on federal student loans are reset for new loans. For the 2018-2019 academic year, rates are set to increase by more than half a percentage point for loans made on or after July 1, 2018 as follows:

On Saturday, May 12, 2018, Cross Roads House hosted its 16th Annual Benefit by the Sea gala, held at the Wentworth by the Sea Hotel in New Castle, NH. The event raised over $300,000 net in sponsorships and pledges, which will provide critical operating revenue and help to provide shelter and services to the men, women, and children on the Seacoast who seek the organization's assistance annually.  Cross Roads House relies on private contributions for three-quarters of its annual operating budget, and the annual gala is a vital part of securing the necessary funds to continue providing shelter and life changing services for the homeless in our community. Seascape is proud to continue supporting this great cause.

In addition to this sponsorship, Seascape partnered with Cross Roads House for our first annual day of service. On June 4^th our office was closed while all our team members volunteered. We spent the day cooking for the residents – our menu included lasagna, stuffed peppers, and cake! We also spent some time cleaning!