Charitable Donations

Writing a check is the easiest way to make charitable contributions. However, donating appreciated assets can be more tax-efficient. That’s true if the donated assets have been held longer than one year and, thus, would qualify for long-term capital gains tax treatment on a sale. Example: Mark Parker wants to donate $5,000 to a local animal shelter. If he writes a check for $5,000, he’ll get a $5,000 tax deduction. Mark’s cost for this deduction is $5,000, after-tax. Instead, Mark goes through his portfolio and finds a stock he bought in 2009 for $3,000 and, thus, would qualify for long-term capital gains treatment. That stock now sells for $5,000. Mark decides to donate the stock to the animal shelter. With