Retirement accounts are typically the most highly taxed assets—subject to both estate and income taxes. HBS is a tax-exempt institution, so when you name it as a beneficiary of a qualified retirement plan, the School receives these assets tax-free. You can name HBS as a sole or partial beneficiary of your IRA, 401(k), 403(b), Keogh, or profit-sharing plan.

If you have more life insurance coverage than you need, you may consider giving HBS a paid-up policy now. By transferring the ownership of your policy to the School, you receive a charitable income tax deduction equal to the policy’s cash surrender value or cost basis (whichever is less). Or you can name HBS as the beneficiary of your life insurance policy to benefit the School at your passing.

To name HBS as a beneficiary of your retirement plan, contact your plan administrator to request a Change of Beneficiary form. Harvard’s tax identification number (EIN) is 04-2013580.