Bequest guide

Why does State Library need bequests?

Government funding covers only a portion of our operating costs.  We also rely on the support of generous donors to deliver many vital services and programs across Queensland.

By leaving a bequest to State Library through the Sir Leo Hielscher Bequest Program, you could be helping to support family literacy and lifelong learning programs; the conservation of Queensland heritage; multimedia and digital arts projects for young people; Indigenous and community outreach programs in regional and rural Queensland.

Ultimately, your bequest will be giving back to the people of Queensland, through acquisitions and programs that help preserve and make Queensland's cultural heriatge available for generations to come.

Do bequests need to be of a certain size?

You can make a bequest of any size. We are grateful for all gifts, however large or small.

What form can my bequest take?

Bequests can take the form of cash, shares or property in consultation with State Library. We encourage you to discuss your options with us.

Do I need to specify how my bequest is used?

You do not need to specify how your bequest is used. In fact, when making a bequest to State Library of Queensland, it's important to consider that the needs of the communities we serve may change over time and, therefore, it can be difficult to predict our priorities of the future. Given that we plan to be providing services to Queenslanders for a very long time, our ability to comply with any mandatory requirements expressed in repect of any bequest may be significantly impacted.

We suggest making a bequest in general terms, allowing us to direct your gift where it may have the greatest impact. If you would like to record a preference, we suggest you express it as merely a preference or wish, not a binding obligation upon State Library of Queensland.

I've already got a will. Do I need to make a new one?

You can update an existing will at any time. Minor changes can be made by using a "codicil", which is a legal document in addition to a will that provides an instruction which, in effect, becomes part of the will. It saves you having to redo your will. A solicitor will be able to advise you on how to do this.

Is my bequest tax deductible?

State Library of Queensland (operated by the Library Board of Queensland ABN 45 872 652 679) has deductible gift recipient status, so a donation made during your lifetime may be tax deductible. The same 'donation' made after death, as a result of a suitable clause in your will (such 'donation’ being then called a 'bequest') is not tax deductible to your estate. However, the bequest, when it takes effect after your death, is capital gains tax neutral.  In other words, it causes neither a capital gain nor a capital loss to your estate.

Do I need to inform State Library of my bequest?

We understand that bequests are a very personal decision. We encourage you to share your wishes with us so that we have the opportunity to thank you for your gift and invite you to join our family of supporters, if that is your wish. Please be assured that all enquiries are confidential and obligation free.

How should I word my bequest?

Our suggested wording for bequest to State Library of Queensland is: 

"I give, devise and bequeath ....................(here insert a sufficient description of what is to be given after death to State Library) to LIBRARY BOARD OF QUEENSLAND ABN 45 872 652 679 for the general purposes of its tax deductible gift recipient entity, STATE LIBRARY OF QUEENSLAND, and in respect of this provision, I DECLARE:-

1. a general charitable intent will apply;
2. the receipt of the officer of the recipient (where that officer is authorised, or appears to be authorised, to give receipts) will be a full and sufficient discharge to my trustees;
3. my trustees will not be obliged to see to, supervise or superintend the application of the subject matter of the provision."

The following questions may be useful to consider before making or updating your will:

Have you discussed your wishes with family members? Have the needs of your immediate family been met?
If your family is not aware of your wishes, or your dependents feel they have not been adequately provided for, they may be more likely to contest the will.

Are there other people who would normally expect to benefit from your estate?
If you plan to leave someone out of your will, where that person has reasonable grounds for expecting a benefit, you should seek legal advice. 

Are there other people or organisations that you would like to benefit from your estate?
After taking care of family and loved ones, you may wish to consider a gift to an organisation like State Library of Queensland, who gratefully uses your bequest to enrich the lives of Queenslanders, now and in the future.