Gifts of Stock and Appreciated Assets
You don’t have to write a check to give cash to make a gift. Take advantage of a notable double incentive offered by the IRS and use appreciated securities such as publicly traded stock, bonds, or mutual funds to make your gift. Do not sell the securities first! Even though you intend to give the proceeds as a gift, the IRS will impose capital gains tax on your sale, wiping out the benefits of this arrangement.
How It Works
- You transfer appreciated stocks, bonds, or mutual fund shares you have owned for more than one year to your favorite charity.
- Your securities are sold by the charity and uses the proceeds for its mission.
- NOTE: Some nonprofit organizations cannot accept non-standard gifts such as stock and appreciated securities. Please contact the Valley Community Foundation to receive assistance in facilitating this transaction in support of your favorite charity.
Benefits
- When you transfer securities, you receive an immediate income tax deduction for the fair market value of the securities on the date of transfer (even if you originally paid much less for them).
- You pay no capital gains tax on the transfer when the shares are sold by the charity.
- Giving appreciated stock can be more beneficial than giving cash. The "cost" of your gift is often less than the deduction you gain by making it.
