Question

Which is better for reducing taxes before a liquidity event: charitable giving or trust funding?

Answer

Both strategies serve different purposes and often complement each other rather than compete. Charitable vehicles such as donor-advised funds and charitable remainder trusts generate immediate deductions and reduce taxable gain on appreciated stock. Trusts such as intentionally defective grantor trusts (IDGTs) and spousal lifetime access trusts (SLATs) focus on transferring future appreciation to beneficiaries outside your taxable estate. The right approach depends on your philanthropic goals, family situation, and timeline, and many founders can benefit from using both in coordination.

About Mercer Advisors

We exist so you don’t have to worry about money. For more than 40 years, we’ve taken the sophisticated, time-tested approach that many ultra-high net worth individuals use to help manage their financial lives and made it accessible to more families.

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