A Life Changing Legacy Starts Here.

LEAVE A LEGACY OF COMPASSION

Since 1990, North Country Animal League has been dedicated to creating a compassionate community for both people and animals. You have the opportunity to make a significant and enduring impact on our crucial mission of saving more animal lives than ever before by including NCAL as a beneficiary in your will, trust, or other planned gift, designating North Country Animal League for this purpose. Many of these giving options come at no immediate cost to you, have no minimum contribution requirement, and do not commit you to a decision made today. It is important to note that this information is not intended as legal or financial advice, and we strongly recommend consulting with your CPA or legal counsel for any matters involving legally binding agreements.

By contributing to NCAL through any of the outlined approaches mentioned, you will become a valued member of our Legacy Society without the need for a minimum contribution or any extra fees. As a member, you will enjoy exclusive perks, such as invitations to society-exclusive events, early access to tickets for our annual fundraising events and a special recognition in our annual impact report.

Including a bequest for North Country Animal League in your estate plans is a beautiful way to demonstrate your affection for animals as part of your lasting legacy. To simplify the process of creating this bequest, you can utilize FreeWill, a complimentary online tool that walks you through the will-making process in under 20 minutes. It’s user-friendly and always free, regardless of whether you decide to include North Country Animal League in your will. Take the first step today!

If you’ve already made provisions for NCAL in your will or trust, we kindly request that you complete this form to inform us. We would like to express our gratitude for your generosity and extend an invitation to join our Legacy Society.

HOW IT WORKS

Consider incorporating a bequest for NCAL into your will or trust. When making your bequest, you have the option to keep it unrestricted within NCAL. Opting for an unrestricted gift allows us to allocate the funds to the areas where they are most needed and can create the greatest positive effect.

You can specify either a particular sum or a percentage of your estate or trust to be included in your bequest.

SIMPLE LANGUAGE

“I bequeath ____ (dollar amount or % of estate) to be used for its general purpose to North Country Animal League or its successors and/or assigns by merger or purchase, federal tax identification number 03-0344067, whose permanent address is 16 Mountain View Meadow Road, Morrisville, VT 05661”

BENEFIT TO YOU

Your assets remain under your control throughout your lifetime, and you retain the flexibility to adjust your bequest in response to changing circumstances.

You have the option to specify a particular purpose for your bequest (please consult with us to ensure its alignment with our intended use).

Additionally, there may be a potential tax advantage associated with your contribution. We recommend consulting your tax advisor to determine whether this applies to your situation.

North Country Animal League welcomes life insurance gifts in two forms: as either the designated beneficiary or as the exclusive owner and beneficiary of the policy. This applies to existing policies, those provided by your employer, or policies that are fully paid up.

You have the option to designate NCAL as the primary beneficiary of your life insurance policy or as a contingent beneficiary, in case your other beneficiaries do not outlive you.

Upon your passing, the benefits from your policy will be passed on to North Country Animal League, exempt from federal estate tax.

EXISTING OR EMPLOYER PROVIDED LIFE INSURANCE

HOW IT WORKS:

1. Contact your life insurance carrier and request a beneficiary form.
2. Designate North Country Animal League as a primary or contingent beneficiary.

BENEFIT TO YOU:

Easy to contribute: Requires minimal effort or paperwork.

Financial benefit: Allows you to retain ownership of your policy.

Adaptability: You have the freedom to alter your preferences and beneficiaries whenever you choose.

Potential tax advantages down the road: Eliminates the asset from consideration in your potential taxable estate.

PAID-UP POLICY

HOW IT WORKS:

1. You transfer ownership of a paid-up life insurance policy to North Country Animal League.
2. NCAL cashes in the policy now or it maintains it and receives the death benefit later.

BENEFIT TO YOU:

Tax savings on income: You are eligible for an immediate income tax deduction as a charitable donation.

Prospective tax benefits: Excludes the asset from being included in your potential taxable estate.

Retirement Plan assets encompass tax-deferred retirement savings accounts such as Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA), 401(k), 403(b), annuities, Keogh, and pension plans. When making gifts from these accounts while you’re still alive, it’s important to note that there might be withdrawal penalties and potential income tax implications. However, designating North Country Animal League as the beneficiary of your retirement assets after your passing could offer tax advantages.

In situations where your primary estate asset is a retirement plan, such as a 401(k), IRA, or Keogh, it’s worth understanding that the IRS may levy income tax on the remaining account balance if you name a beneficiary other than your spouse.

Income derived from the posthumous distribution of a tax-deferred retirement plan to an heir is subject to income tax, in addition to any potential estate tax on the account. There may be a tax benefit accessible to you for your contribution. We strongly recommend consulting with your tax advisor to ascertain if this applies to your circumstances.

HOW IT WORKS

1. Name North Country Animal League as a beneficiary of your IRA, 401(k) or another qualified plan.
2. Designate North Country Animal League to receive all or a portion of the balance of your plan through your plan administrator. The balance in your plan reverts to NCAL after your lifetime.
3. Your gift to NCAL is not subject to estate tax because NCAL is a tax-exempt organization.

BENEFIT TO YOU

You have the opportunity to make a choice today regarding the allocation of your funds and witness the direct, tangible impact it has on the lives of both animals and individuals in need.

You can also opt to maintain regular withdrawals throughout your lifetime. If your family’s circumstances change and you need to adjust, you have the flexibility to remove NCAL as a beneficiary.

A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) allows individuals aged 70½ or older to donate up to $100,000 annually directly from their Individual Retirement Account (IRA) to North Country Animal League without incurring income tax on the withdrawal. This option offers a unique way to make a meaningful impact while maximizing tax advantages.

HOW IT WORKS

1. Contact your IRA administrator to request a Qualified Charitable Distribution to North Country Animal League.
2. Provide NCAL’s legal name and tax identification number (03-0344067), as well as our permanent address:

North Country Animal League

16 Mountain View Meadow Road

Morrisville, VT 05661.

3. The funds will be sent directly from your IRA to NCAL, ensuring the donation qualifies as a QCD.

BENEFIT TO YOU

• Tax efficiency: QCDs reduce your taxable income, even if you don’t itemize deductions.
• Satisfies RMDs: A QCD counts toward your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) if you are 73 or older, allowing you to fulfill IRS requirements while supporting a cause you care about.
• Immediate impact: Your contribution directly supports NCAL’s mission, helping save lives and creating a compassionate community.

For more information about QCDs or assistance with the process, we encourage you to consult your financial advisor or IRA administrator.

Donating securities such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds is a powerful way to support North Country Animal League while maximizing your financial benefits. These securities often represent a significant portion of an individual’s investment portfolio, and contributing them directly to NCAL can provide a meaningful impact.

HOW IT WORKS

1. Contact your broker or financial advisor to initiate the transfer of securities to North Country Animal League.
2. Provide them with NCAL’s brokerage account information. Our account is held locally with Edward Jones. Please reach out to us directly at [insert contact details] for specific account instructions.
3. Once the transfer is complete, we will provide you with a receipt for your gift, detailing the fair market value of the securities on the date of transfer for your tax records.

BENEFITS TO YOU

• Maximize tax savings: When you donate appreciated securities held for more than one year, you may avoid capital gains tax on the appreciation and claim the full fair market value of the securities as a charitable deduction on your income tax return.
• Streamlined giving: This option allows you to make a substantial contribution to NCAL without affecting your cash flow.
• Support a cause you care about: Your gift will directly support NCAL’s mission, saving the lives of animals and fostering a compassionate community.

By choosing to donate securities, you’re not only making a lasting difference for animals in need but also leveraging smart financial planning to maximize your giving potential. For assistance or additional details about making a securities gift, please contact us today.