Retirement accounts are a good asset to leave to charity. Retirement accounts can pass between spouses without a problem but when you leave the funds to another heir, they could have up to a 50% tax or higher – cutting what you though your gift would be in half. It’s called Income in Respect of Decedent (IRD).
When you name a charity such as the Diocese or your parish as a beneficiary on your retirement account, it is gifted tax free. And it doesn’t require a lawyer, all that is needed is to fill out your beneficiary form with your provider.