One way of giving a gift and keeping it is through a life estate. This is an attractive option for people who would like to donate their residence to charity yet remain in it during their lifetimes. A Retained Life Estate allows a donor to give a personal residence to the Church and live in it for life. The residence may be a vacation home and need not be the donor's personal residence. While living in the residence under the terms of this agreement, the donor continues to be responsible for all maintenance and routine expenses, including taxes and insurance. When the agreement ends, the Church is free to use the property or the proceeds from the sale of it. By transferring the property currently, rather than waiting until death, and retaining a life estate, the donor retains the benefits of the property while obtaining a current charitable income tax deduction. The property also passes free of federal estate tax. If the donor vacates the property prior to death, the property is rented and the income passes to the donor. For more information, please contact any member of the Planned Giving Ministry by calling the church office at 619-460-6442.