Gifts of Property that has Increased in Value
If you have assets that have increased in value, such as stocks, bonds, real estate, collectibles, etc., you can donate the asset to the Sea Turtle Conservancy and be granted a charitable tax deduction in the year of your gift in an amount greater than your original investment. You can also reduce your federal estate tax. Your attorney can help you decide on your gift.

Stock Gifts
If you have been involved in the stock market over the last few years, you likely have appreciated stock. While this is wonderful news, it also presents an interesting tax challenge when it comes time to cash in your good fortune and convert your investments out of the market.

Advantages of Stock Gifts:
1) Donating appreciated stock to fund a planned gift provides an income tax deduction equal to the fair market value of the stock on the date of the gift. So, your gift reflects the value of your stock, not what you paid for it — representing a great opportunity to make a larger gift for less cash outlay.
2) Gifting your stock also avoids capital gains taxes on the growth your shares have enjoyed since you purchased them. Typically, that tax is at least 20% of your profit.

For Example:
Mr. Jones bought 100 shares of XYZ Inc. for $10 a share, a total purchase of $1,000. Today, the shares are worth $30 each, a total of $3,000. Mr. Jones is considering the best use of those shares.

If Mr. Jones sold the shares directly, capital gains taxes kick in on the difference between the purchase price and the sales price.

However, if Mr. Jones gives the shares directly to STC as a charitable gift, no capital gains tax is due. Also, Mr. Jones receives a tax deduction equal to the full value of the shares, not just the after tax value.