Gifts of Appreciated Securities: Stocks, Bonds, Mutual Funds, and Other Assets

Smart gift planning combines charitable intent with cost-efficient planning techniques. Of critical importance is the kind of asset used to fund the gift. Usually, long-term appreciated property can generate the most favorable tax benefits. Reason: Gifts of such property provide a double benefit—a charitable deduction, in most cases, for the full fair-market value of the property—plus avoidance of any potential capital-gain tax.

The chart below illustrates the additional tax savings from a gift of appreciated assets.

Please note: The federal estate tax is currently back in effect through the end of 2012. The top tax rate is now 35%, and the exclusion amount is $5,120,000 per person and $10,240,000 per married couple. Any exclusion amount not used by a spouse who dies after December 31, 2010, is portable and generally may be used by the surviving spouse. It is very important that you seek the advice of your estate-planning attorney to determine what changes, if any, need to be made to your existing estate plans.

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