Discover how Donating Appreciated Assets works
Donating appreciated assets such as stocks, real estate, or other valuable investments to qualified charitable organizations allows you to avoid capital gains taxes and receive a tax deduction at the asset’s fair market value.
This strategy not only provides substantial tax benefits but also supports the causes you care about with potentially larger donations than if you had sold the assets and donated the after-tax proceeds.
Required documents
To facilitate a donation of appreciated assets, you will need:
- Documentation proving ownership and the duration of asset holding.
- A qualified appraisal for the donated asset if required by the IRS, especially for high-value donations.
- Receipts or letters of acknowledgment from the charity detailing the nature of the donation.
How to Donate Appreciated Assets
- Select the Asset: Identify which assets have appreciated the most and are suitable for donation.
- Choose a Charity: Ensure the charity is eligible to receive tax-deductible donations.
- Arrange the Transfer: Directly transfer the asset to the charity without selling it first to avoid capital gains.
- Document the Donation: Obtain and keep all necessary documentation for tax filing purposes.
Benefits of Donating Appreciated Assets
- Avoid Capital Gains Tax: By donating appreciated assets directly, you avoid paying capital gains taxes that would arise from selling the assets.
- Tax Deduction: Receive a tax deduction based on the current market value of the asset, not just what you originally paid, maximizing your charitable contribution.
- Philanthropic Impact: Increase the value of your gift to the charity, providing more support for their work.
Important considerations
It’s important to verify that the receiving organization is a qualified charity under IRS rules to ensure the tax benefits of your donation. The tax implications can vary based on your personal tax situation and the type of asset donated, so professional advice is recommended to optimize your tax benefits.
For more detailed information, please refer to the IRS Publication 526 and the IRS Publication 561.