Answers to Your Prospects' Questions: Appreciated Securities

Important: Use the green navigation on the left to properly sort your questions.

	1.	What are the benefits of a gift of securities? First, you'll receive a charitable income tax deduction equal to the fair market value of the shares, no matter what you originally paid for them. Second, you will pay no capital gains tax on the transfer. This combination of benefits makes giving appreciated securities a very rewarding charitable and financial plan. (Our handy Planned Giving Pocket Guide describes all planned gifts.)
	2.	How will my gift of securities be valued? We take the mean of the high and low prices for the security on the day it came into our possession. If the high price was $80 per share and the low price was $70 on that day, your gift will be valued at $75 per share.
	3.	How do I arrange for a gift of my stock? It is important that you contact us so that we can assist you with transfer instructions. If you own securities in a brokerage account, we can help you set up an electronic transfer of the shares to our brokerage account. If you possess actual stock certificates, we can tell you how to sign the certificates over to us and fill out a stock power form. (Our handy Planned Giving Pocket Guide describes all planned gifts.)
	4.	Can I give you shares of a mutual fund? Yes, and we can coordinate the transfer with the administrators of your fund.
	5.	Can I give closely held stock? In many cases yes, and considerable tax benefits can result. However, giving closely held stock is more complicated than giving common stock. You will need to establish the fair market value of the stock, and we will look into its marketability and the likelihood that the company will redeem it. We stand ready to assist you if you are considering such a gift.
	6.	Can I give stock that has declined in value? You can, but your deduction will be limited to the current, depressed value of the stock. It's wiser planning to sell the stock, take a tax loss, and then get a second tax benefit by giving us the cash proceeds.

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Answers to Your Prospects' Questions: Appreciated Securities

What are the benefits of a gift of securities?

How will my gift of securities be valued?

How do I arrange for a gift of my stock?

Can I give you shares of a mutual fund?

Can I give closely held stock?

Can I give stock that has declined in value?

Ask Brian