Charitable Giving: Reasons to Include the ASPCA in Your Will

Can I leave my entire or part of my estate to charity?

Yes, you can leave a charitable gift to the ASPCA as part of your last will. Here's how you can do it using the will creation tool:

Under Bequests Section
You may include a specific bequest to the ASPCA by adding it as a beneficiary in the "Bequests" section of your will. Simply select the "organization" option under the relationship dropdown and enter the ASPCA's contact information:

• American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)

• Add the city and state, New York, 

Under Residuary Estate Section
Alternatively, you may designate the ASPCA to receive a portion or all of your residuary estate (what remains after other specific gifts, debts, and expenses have been settled). This allows you to distribute your estate among family, friends, and charitable organizations like the ASPCA. Just allocate a percentage in the "Residuary Estate" section.

Ensure that all necessary details are added using the will creation tool. Once complete, Wills.com offers options for securely storing your will and ensuring that your bequests, including those to the ASPCA, are honored.

Why choose the ASPCA?

Naming the ASPCA as a beneficiary means supporting an organization that has fought against animal cruelty for over 150 years. Your gift can help:
• Provide much needed shelter, medical care, and rehabilitation to abused and neglected animals.
• Support adoption services, placing animals in loving homes.
• Advocate for stronger animal welfare laws.

Your legacy will live on, helping to care for animals in need, ensuring your contribution continues to make a difference for years to come.

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Why Include the ASPCA in Your Will?

Leaving a charitable gift to the ASPCA is an extension of your values after you're gone. The ASPCA plays a crucial role in advocating for animal rights, rescuing animals, and promoting adoption. Including them in your estate plan ensures they can continue their important work.

Leaving a Lasting Legacy
A charitable gift in your will allows you to leave a lasting impact on causes you care about. For animal lovers, this means supporting the ASPCA's rescue efforts, medical care, and rehoming services, giving animals a second chance.

Tax Benefits

Including the ASPCA in your will not only furthers a cause close to your heart but also offers significant tax advantages for your estate. Charitable bequests to qualified organizations like the ASPCA are generally exempt from estate taxes. This means that the value of your gift is deducted from your taxable estate, potentially reducing the overall estate taxes owed. By directing a portion of your assets to a charitable organization, you can lessen the financial burden on your beneficiaries while maximizing the impact of your legacy. This strategic approach allows more of your estate to benefit both your loved ones and the causes you care about most.

Supporting an Important Cause

The ASPCA plays a critical role in advocating for animal welfare across the nation. Your bequest supports a wide range of essential services, including animal rescue operations that save animals from abuse, neglect, and disaster-stricken areas. The organization provides sheltering for homeless animals, offering them a safe haven and the chance to find loving forever homes. Additionally, the ASPCA delivers vital medical care—from routine vaccinations to life-saving surgeries—for animals that might otherwise go without. By including the ASPCA in your estate planning, you directly contribute to these impactful programs, ensuring that vulnerable animals continue to receive the care and protection they need.

How to Add the ASPCA to Your Will Using Wills.com

1. Log into your Wills.com account and navigate to the "Bequests" section.
2. Add the ASPCA as a Beneficiary, entering the contact information:
   • American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
   • 424 East 92nd Street, New York, NY 10128
3. Specify a cash amount, item, or percentage of your estate.
4. Add the ASPCA to your Residuary Estate by allocating a portion of what remains after other gifts and debts are settled.
5. Finalize your will and store it securely through Wills.com.

The Importance of Charitable Giving in Estate Planning
Charitable giving isn't just about tax benefits; it's a way to make a long-term impact on the world. Including charities in your estate plan ensures your legacy has a positive influence on society.