Gift Preferences

Gifts Of Cash – The Simplest and Fastest

The simplest and fastest way to make a charitable gift is to give cash, usually by personal check.  Outright gifts of cash are fully deductible in the year of the gift (for those that itemize) to the extent of 50% of adjusted gross income.  Unused portions may be carried over for up to 5 additional years.

Gifts Of Securities – An Added Advantage

There is an added advantage when donating stocks and bonds that have appreciated in value and have been owned for more than one year.  Generally, when an owner sells securities, there is a capital gain tax due on the amount that the securities have increased in value over the original purchase price.  The amount of the tax is based on the donor’s federal income tax bracket.  By donating appreciated securities to charity and allowing the charity to sell them, the capital gain tax is avoided.  Gifts of appreciated securities are fully deductible in the year of the gift to the extent of 30% of adjusted gross income.  For securities that have lost value, the donor should sell the asset and then donate the net proceeds, because the donor can then claim a capital loss.

 Click here for a tax benefits illustration.

Gifts of Real Estate – Another Added Advantage

There is an added advantage when donating real estate that has appreciated in value and has been owned for more than one year.  Generally, when an owner sells real estate, there is a capital gain tax due on the amount that the property has increased in value over the original purchase price.  The amount of the tax is based on the donor’s federal income tax bracket.  By donating long-term appreciated real estate to charity and allowing the charity to sell it, the capital gain tax is avoided.  Gifts of real estate are fully deductible in the year of the gift to the extent of 30% of adjusted gross income.

With real estate, it is possible to give a fractional interest in property by deeding an undivided interest.  When undivided interests are donated and the property is jointly sold, the sale proceeds are split between the donor and the charity.  The donor is responsible for any capital gains taxes due on the retained portion.  For gifts over $5,000 in value, a professional appraisal is required to substantiate the value.  Because of concerns for possible environmental contamination, such gifts must be closely examined before being accepted as a charitable gift.  In some cases, a professional environmental audit will be required.

Gifts of Tangible Personal Property – Gifts that can be Touched and Moved

Tangible personal property is commonly thought of as an asset that can be touched and moved. Examples of tangible personal property include artwork, jewelry, collections, automobiles, furniture, rare coins and stamps, boats, books, antiques, etc.

Gifts of tangible personal property are subject to certain Internal Revenue Service rules regarding the charitable deduction. Specifically, the IRS has ruled that donated tangible personal property must be put to a use “related” to the purpose or mission of the charitable organization in order to receive a full fair market value charitable deduction. Otherwise, the charitable deduction is limited to the cost basis of the asset. If a donor claims a charitable deduction of more than $5,000 for the contribution of tangible personal property, then the donor is required to have a qualified appraisal.

Giving Instruments:

Permanent Charitable Support Gifts

Endowments – Give Permanent Support to Your Charity – What they are (pdf File)

Donor Advised Funds – Have Flexibility in Your Giving – Find out more about it (pdf File)

Life Income Gifts for Individuals

Charitable Remainder Annuity Trusts – Provide Income to Individuals First and Then Provide – How can I do that? (pdf File)

Income to Charity Later

Charitable Gift Annuities – Receive Reliable and Partly Tax-free Payments and Then Provide for Charity – That sounds interesting! (pdf File)

Family Charitable Lead Trusts

Charitable Lead Trusts – Provide Income to Charity First and Then Receive Assets Back – Giving Twice (pdf File)

Insurance Policies

Life Insurance – Don’t Overlook It –  Why you should have one – Another Purpose (pdf File)

At Death Gifts

Last Will and Testament – A Lasting Testimony of Giving – Still thinking of Others (pdf File)

Retirement Plan – Becoming a Very Significant Asset for Donors – Cannot start soon enough (pdf File)