December 2007
 

Take Stock in Education

Foundation donors may have the opportunity to enhance their giving capacity by donating appreciated securities (individual stocks or mutual fund shares) to the ESEF. In addition, donors may receive a charitable income tax deduction for the full market value of the stock at the time of the gift in addition to avoiding capital gains tax on its appreciation. The combined benefit of
the income tax deduction and the capital gains avoidance often reduces the actual “cost” of the gift to almost 50 cents on the dollar.

Donors interested in this method of giving should consult their tax or investment advisor. The following two scenarios illustrate the potential savings:

Scenario #1
John and Jane purchased 400 shares of XYZ Corp in December 2002 for $5 per share ($2,000 total investment). XYZ Corp has rebounded and is now selling for $20 per share. If John and Jane sell today and donate cash, they will be subject to capital gains taxes on the amount of appreciation in the stock price:
Today’s Value of 400 Shares of XYZ
$8,000
Original Value of 400 Shares of XYZ

- $2,000

Capital Appreciation
$6,000
Capital Gains Tax1 ($6,000 X 15%)
$900
Net proceeds from sale ($8,000 - $900)
$7,100

Scenario #2
If John and Jane donate the 400 shares of XYZ to the El Segundo Educational Foundation, they will avoid capital gains taxes and will also receive a charitable income tax deduction for the market value of the stock:
Today’s Value of 400 Shares of XYZ
$8,000
Original Value of 400 Shares of XYZ

- $2,000

Capital Appreciation
$6,000
Capital Gains Tax Avoided ($6,000 X 15%)
$900
Federal Income Tax Deduction @ 33%2
$2,640
Net Cost of the $8000 Gift ($900 + $2,640)
$4,460

Given these scenarios, the real question becomes, who do you want to share your capital gains with, the ESEF or the IRS? For additional information on contributions of stock, please contact Wanda Kaminski at info@elsegundofoundation.org.


This article is intended to provide basic information regarding the transfer of securities. Please consult with your personal advisors regarding your particular situation.

1 Shares must be held for more than one year. Otherwise the gain is subject to ordinary income tax.
2 In some states, the donor may also earn a state income tax deduction.