FALL 2025
from the office of gift planning
Solid Foundation
Whether it was your off-campus apartment junior year with friends or a one-story fixer-upper a decade or more later, you never forget your first place, no matter what condition it was in when you signed the paperwork. The excitement around getting the keys. Figuring out how to set up your belongings. Feeling too energized to sleep that first night, because all you can think is, “This is mine!”
Chances are, you’ve since moved on to something that fits your next life stage. If you’re now looking for a way to simplify your life or avoid the hassle of selling, here’s something to consider: You can donate real estate to Boston College. This includes primary residences, vacation properties, and land. You can even donate your home to BC and continue to live in it!
In the cover story, read about how an alum did exactly that. He loves his California house just as much as he cares about BC. Knowing the University will one day benefit from the property gives him peace of mind and a lasting sense of pride.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act that took effect in July introduces new rules for charitable giving. Check out our helpful Q&A for information about how your donations to Boston College may impact your taxes.
This issue also includes a piece about a BC Law alum and Shaw Society member who established a charitable gift annuity (CGA) through his IRA. With a gift annuity (one of the most popular planned giving opportunities), he will receive regular, fixed payments for life in exchange for his gift.
Speaking of the Shaw Society, this year we welcomed a record number of members from the Class of 1995. Take a look at the yearbook photo included in this issue. If you spot someone you recognize, drop us a note. We’d love to hear from you!
If you are curious about making a planned gift of real estate, or have any questions about the ways you can support BC, please reach out to me or a member of my team at 877-304-SHAW or giftplanning@bc.edu.
Sincerely,
Executive Director of Gift Planning
Boston College
FYI: OBBBA’s New Tax Rules
How does the One Big Beautiful Bill Act impact charitable giving? This new federal tax law makes many previous tax cuts permanent and introduces new rules for charitable giving that may affect you. Check out our helpful Q&A for information about how your donations to Boston College may impact your taxes.
Key Provisions Related to Charitable Giving
- Tax Rates: The current brackets—10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 35%, and 37%—are permanently extended.
- Standard Deduction: The standard deduction is permanently extended at the higher level. For 2025, it is $15,750 for single filers and $31,500 for joint filers.
- Senior Boost (2025–2028): Individuals aged 65+ may add $6,000 to their standard deduction. Phase-outs begin at $75,000 adjusted gross income (AGI) ($150,000 for joint filers).
- Non-Itemizer Charitable Deduction (starting 2026): Taxpayers taking the standard deduction may claim an additional $1,000 ($2,000 for joint filers) for charitable gifts. Gifts to donor advised funds (DAFs) are excluded.
- Itemizer Threshold (starting 2026): Charitable contributions are deductible only to the extent they exceed 0.5% of AGI.
- AGI Limit for Cash Gifts: The 60% of AGI limit for cash gifts to public charities is permanently extended.
- Top-Bracket Limitation (starting 2026): Donors in the 37% bracket may only deduct charitable gifts at a 35% rate.
- Estate & Gift Tax Exemption: These exemptions increase to $15 million per individual ($30 million per married couple).
More from this edition
Real Estate Gifts to Boston College
Whether it’s a home, vacation property, farmland, or commercial building, your gift can make a lasting impact on BC students, faculty, and programs you care about.
Thinking Like a Lawyer, Caring Like an Eagle
Law alum Tom Flaherty, JD’75 gives back to the place that shaped his mind, body, and spirit.
Nest Egg
John Kozarich ’71 transferred the title of his home in Rancho Sante Fe, Calif., to Boston College. It’s a gift that provides him with a significant tax deduction now and guarantees long-term support for BC.
