By making bequests of particular assets to the Society, which is exempt from federal estate taxes, you can actually preserve more of your estate for the benefit of loved ones. For example, IRAs and other retirement plan assets are taxed twice at death, first as part of your taxable estate and second as income to the beneficiary. Rather than leaving IRA or retirement plan assets to family members, consider donating to the Society.
A charitable bequest to the Society can be a flexible and easy way to participate in supporting the future efforts against MS. Bequests come in all sizes. For example, you may prefer that a bequest be for a specific amount or represent a percentage of your estate. Or, you could create a bequest that helps the Society after you have provided for your family and friends, called a residual bequest. There is no minimum amount required to be a member of the Lawry Circle. All bequests are important to us regardless of size, and are gratefully received. To make a bequest commitment, simply ask your attorney to revise your current will to include one of the following:
A bequest of a specific amount
I hereby give and bequeath to the Pacific South Coast Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society the amount of $______ to be used for its general purposes.
A bequest of a percentage of your estate
I hereby give, devise, and bequeath to the Pacific South Coast Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society ______% of my estate to be used for its general purposes.
A bequest of whatever remains after all other bequests have been made
I hereby give, devise and bequeath to the Pacific South Coast Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society my residuary estate (or ______% of my residuary estate) to be used for its general purposes.
A bequest only if certain other beneficiaries predecease you
In the event that________________________ is not living at the time of my death, or declines to accept the bequest I am making to him/her, I wish his/her bequest to pass to the Pacific South Coast Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to be used for its general purposes.
When remembering the Society in your estate plans, it is important to include our correct legal name and address: National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Pacific South Coast Chapter; 12121 Scripps Summit Drive, #190, San Diego, CA 92131. EIN# 95-2633200
For more information on bequests, please contact Karen.Barton@nmss.org at 760-448-8412.
Back to Planned Giving Overview