Gifts of Personal Property: The Details

The IRS gives donors who contribute appreciated property, like securities and real estate, two tax breaks: a charitable deduction for the full fair market value of the asset, and no capital gains tax on the transfer to your favorite Valley charity.

The same benefits also encourage gifts of personal property: artwork, antiques, equipment, and other items that help us advance our mission.

If you are considering such a gift, please talk with us first. We can determine if the items can be used by us – a requirement for you to claim a full deduction. If you donate personal property that is liquidated for cash, the IRS will limit your charitable deduction to your cost basis in the property.

We do reserve the right to sell the property at a later date if it can no longer be used or properly cared for by your favorite Valley charity.

Planning points

• You will need to secure an independent appraisal of the property to establish the amount of your deduction.
• Most gifts of personal property are made to your favorite Valley charity outright. In some cases, it may be possible for you to arrange for life income to be paid to you in return for the gift. Consult with your advisors and our office before proceeding with such a plan.