In Rev. Rul. 2019-08, the Service announced the Section 7520 rate for April dipped to 3.0%, down 20 basis points from March. With the exception of March, the Section 7520 rates have consistently dropped 20 basis points since December 2018's 3.6% rate, reversing the upward streak in 2018.

The IRS has announced the Applicable Federal Rates for April 2019, including the Section 7520 rate of 3.0%.

Contributing closely held stock to a CRT gives the donor an immediate income tax deduction, allows the donor to complete the sale of the gift assets, and eliminates the need for the charity to deal with and negotiate the stock sale.

Recent lawsuits and court orders have forced charities, planners, and donors to reevaluate the best way to preserve donor intent. This article highlights two issues for donors and gift planners: the practicality of placing narrow, binding restrictions on gifts and the need for flexibility when economic, social, or environmental factors make the original gift terms impractical. This article defines the issues, explores recent case studies involving donor intent, details options when things go wrong, and provides guidance for planners and charities in drafting gift agreements.