Gift Planning Tools

Retained Life Estate
(Living in a Charitable Deduction)

How it works

You transfer your residence, farm, or vacation home to the West Virginia University Foundation subject to your life estate.

You continue to live in the property for life or a specified term of years, while continuing to be responsible for all taxes and upkeep.

The property passes to the West Virginia University Foundation when your life estate ends to benefit WVU, Potomac State College of WVU, the Mountaineer Athletic Club or West Virginia 4-H.

Benefits

• You receive gift credit and an immediate income tax deduction for a portion of the appraised value of your property.
• You can terminate your life estate at any time and take an additional income tax deduction.
• You can have the satisfaction of making a significant gift now that benefits West Virginia University later. An endowment fund may be created then if you specify that.

For more information

Email us, complete the personal illustration form, or call us at so that we can assist you through every step of the process.

West Virginia University Foundation
One Waterfront Place, 7th Floor
Morgantown, WV 26501
(304) 284-4000