DeWitt Attorneys Jeff Goldman and Michael Bezoian Explore Charitable Giving Strategies in Wisconsin Lawyer
Charitable giving can be an important part of financial and estate planning, but the way a gift is structured matters. Different approaches offer different benefits, limitations, and tax considerations depending on an individual’s circumstances and goals.
In the October 2026 issue of Wisconsin Lawyer, DeWitt attorneys Jeff A. Goldman and Michael Bezoian examine these considerations in their article, “The Benefits and Basics of Charitable Giving.”
The article provides an overview of several charitable giving strategies, including:
- Direct charitable contributions: Making gifts during one’s lifetime while potentially qualifying for income tax deductions.
- Donor-advised funds: Contributing assets to a charitable fund while retaining the ability to recommend how funds are distributed.
- Estate planning gifts: Using wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations to direct assets to charitable organizations after death.
- Charitable lead and remainder trusts: Structuring gifts to benefit charitable organizations while potentially providing financial benefits to donors or other beneficiaries.
- Qualified charitable distributions: Making eligible contributions directly from an IRA to a charitable organization without the distribution counting as taxable income.
Jeff and Michael also discuss the tax implications of charitable contributions, including income, gift, and estate tax deductions, and explain how different approaches may fit into an individual’s broader estate planning strategy.
Understanding these options can help individuals choose charitable giving strategies that align with their financial goals, estate plans, and the causes they want to support.
Read the full article here: https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/WisconsinLawyer/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=99&Issue=9&ArticleID=31805