There is allowed as a deduction from the taxable estate any gift to a qualified group organized and operated exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, literary or educational purposes. A gift to a trustee for the benefit of any such organization also generates the deduction. A gift of a remainder interest also generates the deduction.

A gift of a remainder interest also qualifies. For instance if you will assets to a trustee on your death to be held for the benefit of your spouse while he or she is alive and then to be paid to a charity. The value of that interest at the time of your death is deductible. Actuarial tables provided by IRS are used to make the valuation.