Increasing numbers of Boston University alumni and friends are including the University in their estate plans. Bequests are a wonderful way to show support for higher education, while possibly realizing significant estate tax benefits. Bequests often enable donors to make a far larger gift than they thought possible.

While family and loved ones should always be granted first priority in these matters, there are several different ways in which your estate can also support Boston University. Consider the following options:

• Designate a specific gift to BU (such as property or a dollar amount)
• Leave a percentage of your estate to BU
• After your estate has provided for your loved ones, leave all or part of the remainder of your estate to BU

Your estate gift can be used to support a particular school or college, to create a scholarship in your name, or for another purpose you choose. Bequests may also be made in honor or memory of a loved one, or even a favorite professor.

In addition to cash and securities, bequests to Boston University may include real estate, works of art, rare books, patent rights, or virtually anything of value. All outright bequests to the University are exempt from federal estate taxation.

All alumni and friends who remember the University in their estate plans are invited to join the Claflin Society. Learn more about the Claflin Society.

• Sample Bequest Language

If you have already included Boston University in your estate plans, and would like to tell us more about your gift, please complete the Standard Bequest Form.