The deduction is based on the amount of income received, the type and value of the asset, the ages of the people receiving the income, and the Section 7250 rate, which fluctuates. (Our example is based on a 3.0% Section 7250 rate.) Generally, the higher the payout rate, the lower the deduction.

It is usually limited to 30% of adjusted gross income, but can vary from 20% to 50%, depending on how the IRS defines the charity and the type of asset. If you can’t use the full deduction the first year, you can carry it forward for up to five additional years. Depending on your tax bracket, type of asset and type of charity, the charitable deduction can reduce your income taxes by 10%, 20%, 30% or even more.