What are gifts of securities?

People who own stocks, bonds or mutual funds are pleased to learn that their investments have increased. Unfortunately, when such an investment is converted to cash the realized capital gain is taxable. You can decrease the financial impact this will have by donating your publicly listed security directly to a charitable organization. In May 2006, the Federal government eliminated the capital gains tax on gifts of securities to registered charitable organizations.

Consider the following example:

Making a gift of $10,000 in stock: Mr. M.S. Donor purchased The Smith Company stock some years ago for $2,000. The current Fair Market Value (FMV) is $10,000 (adjusted cost base, ACB). When looking at his stock portfolio, he is considering giving his ABC Company stocks to the MS Society as a legacy gift. His combined federal and provincial tax rate and charitable tax credit are both 45%. Here is an example of the real cost of giving the stock instead of selling it.

How do I donate securities in support of Canadians living with MS?

Creating your legacy gift is as easy as 1, 2, 3!

1. Download the Securities Transfer Form
2. Fill out the form and fax it to your broker and the MS Society
3. Confirm details of the donation with your broker and await the MS Society’s call to thank you for your generosity

Resources

Download our reference guide on gifts of securities, containing all of the information you need to create your own gift in support of Canadians living with MS.

What are gifts of life insurance?

Gifts of life insurance are a practical way to leave a legacy in support of Canadians living with MS. Gifts of life insurance are one of our most popular legacy giving options, second only to gifts in a will.

There are two ways to give a gift of life insurance:

• You can make the MS Society the owner and beneficiary of a new or existing life insurance policy
• You can name the MS Society as a beneficiary of a new or existing policy

Each has advantages and your financial planner can advise you on which best suits you.

There are many advantages to creating a legacy through a life insurance policy:

• You can create a sizeable future gift through a small annual payment
• Tax relief in the form of charitable tax receipts for cash value and/or premiums paid (depends on policy structure and ownership)
• It doesn’t reduce the value of your estate for your heirs
• Passes outside the estate settlement process—the proceeds are paid directly to the MS Society, thereby not subject to probate and estate fees
• It’s easy to do with help from a financial planner
• You can choose from a full range of products, price ranges, and payment periods to suit your circumstances

How do I create a gift of life insurance in support of Canadians living with MS?

Creating your legacy gift is as easy as 1, 2, 3!

1. Call your financial planner
2. Create a life insurance policy that suits your needs, naming the MS Society as the beneficiary (and owner, in some cases)
3. Contact the MS Society so we may thank you for your generosity

I’ve already created a gift of life insurance in support of Canadians living with MS

Thank you!! If you have already created a legacy gift and you wish to let us know about your gift, please take a moment to fill out our Statement of Intent form. Any information you provide will remain strictly confidential.

Resources​

Download our reference guide on gifts of life insurance, containing all of the information you need to create your own gift in support of Canadians living with MS.

What are gifts of RRSPs or RRIFs?

You can name the MS Society as a direct beneficiary for your RRSP, RRIF, or Canada Pension assets and receive tax benefits as a result.

There are many advantages to creating a legacy through listing the MS Society as a beneficiary of your RRSP, RRIF or Canada Pension assets:

• You will help Canadians living with MS who will benefit MS research and the support provided by the MS Society’s programs and services.
• It’s free – You do not have to pay to add/change a beneficiary of your registered accounts.
• It’s very flexible – You choose what’s best for you and your family. You can choose a specific amount or a percentage of your RRSP or RRIF, and you can change your beneficiary at any time.
• You pay less probate fees as donated RRSP/RRIFs are paid directly to the MS Society and therefore are not subject to probate fees.
• Your tax receipt will offset taxes owed as RRSP/RRIFs are included as income to your estate.

How do I donate my RRSP or RRIF?

Creating your legacy gift is as easy as 1, 2, 3!

1. Contact the financial institution where your RRSP/RRIFs are being held
2. Instruct your financial institution to add the MS Society as a beneficiary directly on your RRSP/RRIF plan documents
3. Contact the MS Society to inform us of your gift

Resources​

Download our reference guide on gifts of RRSPs or RRIFs, containing all of the information you need to create your own gift in support of Canadians living with MS.