Charitable donations can take many forms, from the loose change you drop into a collection basket to carefully planned donations of significant size. Many people, unfortunately, are unaware of the financial benefits that can come through a contribution of appreciated property, such as stocks or mutual funds.
Stock or mutual fund donations are particularly attractive if they have increased in value. You will receive a charitable deduction for the value of the donated shares, and you will not have to pay any capital gains tax on the increased value of the donated shares (assuming you held the property for more than one year). Two benefits for one donation!
It does not matter that you may have only paid $6,000 several years ago for a stock that is now worth $18,000. That $18,000 figure will be your charitable donation. Plus, the $12,000 in taxable capital gains that you would face if you sold that stock does not apply when you transfer the stock as a contribution to AICR. And because, in most cases, the stocks or mutual fund shares can be easily transferred to AICR, you can also avoid the commission expense that would normally be due for the sale of the property.
For information on how to make donations of appreciated assets in support of AICR’s cancer research and education programs and on the double tax benefits such gifts can bring, please contact our Office of Gift Planning at 800-843-8114.