Bequests

There are many ways that you can make a gift through your will or living trust. You may find that one of the following arrangements best fits your estate planning goals: 

Residuary bequest is stated as a percentage.
Example: ____% of my estate. 

Specific bequest is stated as a fixed dollar amount
Example: the sum of $___________

It is often simpler to express your bequests as a percentage of your estate. In the event your estate changes in value you will not have to update your will as often. Your gifts remain proportional to your estate.

We suggest the following language for use when your attorney is drafting your will:

I give to the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Northern California, with its principal offices at 39 Drumm Street, San Francisco, CA

the sum of $_________

or

All or ____ percent of my residuary estate to be used for its general purposes.

Tax Note: It is worth noting that not every person's estate can take advantage of an estate charitable deduction. If your estate (including life insurance policies, retirement plans, etc.) is valued less than $2,000,000 in 2007 you are not subject to federal estate tax.