Stock Donations
You can realize two tax savings by contributing stock as a gift to Cottage Housing, Inc.:
- Deduction for charitable contribution
Federal and state tax law permits taxpayers who itemize to deduct the current value of charitable contributions from their adjusted gross income. To qualify for such a deduction, the stock must have been held by the taxpayer for more than one year.
- Save on capital gains tax
Contributions of stock may have no tax liability on the difference between the cost of donated stock and its current, fair market value (FMV): i.e. there may not be tax on the capital gains.
Here is how it can work:
Assume you purchased 100 shares of XYZ Corporation in 1988 for $2,000. Today, the shares are worth $10,000. If you sold the stock, you would realize an $8,000 capital gain. Under current tax rules, you could owe as much as $1,600 in federal capital gains tax (plus more in state taxes). You decide to make a $10,000 gift to (nonprofit_name). Normally, you make your gift by an on-line donation or check, but this year you decide to see whether a stock gift would work better for you. Your comparisons are (federal tax benefits only):
| |
Option A
Give Securities As Gift |
Option B
Give $10,000 by Check |
Option C
Sell Securities & Give Cash |
| Gift Value |
$10,000 |
$10,000 |
$10,000 |
| Ordinary Income Tax Savings |
$3,960 |
$3,960 |
$3,960 |
| Capital Gains Tax |
$1,600 Saved |
N/A |
$1,600 Paid |
| Net Tax Savings |
$5,560 |
$3,960 |
$2,360 |
You become entitled to a charitable income tax deduction for the fair market value of the gifted securities as of the date of gift. You eliminate capital gains tax that would ordinarily become due if you had sold the appreciated securities on the open market and donated the proceeds from the sale to nonprofit. Your charitable deduction can be claimed against up to 30% of your adjusted gross income and any unused deductions can be carried forward over the next five years. This helps you to achieve your long-term financial objective of reducing your income and estate taxes.
If you find that you have securities that have declined in value over the years and are interested in donating them to nonprofit, you may find it more advantageous to sell the securities first and contribute the proceeds to nonprofit as opposed to donating the securities outright. This strategy should allow you to claim a deduction for both the loss from the sale of the securities as well as the charitable gift.
If you are considering donating stock that is subject to a cash merger or tender offer, it is important for you to note that you will be subject to tax on the capital gain even though the shares were transferred to Cottage Housing, Inc. before the tender offer became effective.
Gifts of appreciated securities could provide even greater benefits to you through a charitable planned gift arrangement.