Planned Giving: Stock and Property Gifts

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.

Purchase price

Current market Value

Gain on Sale

Capital Gain Tax (20%)

Net Proceeds

Tax Deductible Gift

$1,000

$3,000

$2,000

$400

$1,600

$1,600

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.

Purchase price

Current market Value

Gain on Sale

Capital Gain Tax (20%)

Tax Deductible Gift

$1,000

$3,000

None

None

$3,000

This principle is equally true of appreciated real estate, art or other assets that have grown in value over time. Using them charitably simply makes the most of your good fortune, to the benefit of STC and the detriment of the tax man.