Designate Guide Dogs for the Blind as a Beneficiary
Beneficiary designations are the easiest ways to make a Legacy Gift. All you have to do is fill out a beneficiary designation form provided by your financial advisor.
When completing this form, simply name Guide Dogs For the Blind, Inc. as a full or partial beneficiary, and provide GDB's tax identification number (#94-1196195)
These gifts bypass probate and go directly to all beneficiaries. Here are some common designation options.
- Retirement plans [e.g., traditional IRA, Keogh, 401(k), 403(b)]: Including Guide Dogs For the Blind as a beneficiary enables you to avoid substantial income taxes that would have been due if a retirement plan were left to non-spousal heirs. It is strongly advised that you name Guide Dogs for the Blind as a beneficiary of a retirement plan through your designation form and not through your will, which may jeopardize tax benefits.
- Life Insurance policies: There are a number of ways you can name Guide Dogs for the Blind as a beneficiary of an insurance policy, whether through your employer or a separate policy that you hold. Such a gift may provide you with current and future tax benefits.
- Savings accounts: Designating Guide Dogs for the Blind as a beneficiary of a savings account is simple and allows full use of savings during your life.
If you choose, Guide Dogs for the Blind can be named as a contingent beneficiary for your retirement plan or life insurance policy.