End-of-Year Giving
Thanks to the CARES stimulus package,
- The current age at which you are required to take a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) is 72; however, if you are 70½ or older, you can still make a qualified Charitable Distribution from your IRA.
WHAT TO DO IN ORDER TO ENSURE YOU CAN CLAIM A CHARITABLE DEDUCTION FOR 2021:
- For donations of cash (including checks), your donation must be either postmarked or personally delivered to the not-for-profit organization on or before December 31.
- For donations of stock, your stock must be transferred out of your account on or before December 31.
- For donations via credit card, your credit card donation must be processed on or before December 31.
- If you are 70½ or older you can distribute up to $100,000 from your IRA/401K/403B directly to a charity, tax–free. (Note: Does not apply to donor advised funds or split interest gifts. Also note, in 2021 you are not required to take a Required Minimum Distribution [RMD] until you are 72.)
DONATING LONG-TERM APPRECIATED SECURITIES CAN PROVIDE ADDITIONAL TAX BENEFITS
- When you donate long-term appreciated securities, you can claim a charitable income tax deduction for the fair market value of the securities on the date of transfer, no matter what you originally paid for them.
- You pay no capital gains tax on the transfer.
For example, if the securities originally cost $2,000 and now have a fair market value of $10,000, you do not pay tax on the $8,000 gain and you may claim a charitable income tax deduction for the full $10,000.
Donating Cash vs. Stock
In this example, you see that donating the stock results in no capitals gains tax being paid, a larger itemized deduction, and more money for the charity of your choice.
| Option 1: Gift of $10,000 cash | Option 2: Gift of $10,000 stock | |
| Initial cost basis of securities/appreciation | Not applicable | $2,000/$8,000 |
| Capital gains tax saved or paid, assuming 20% rate1 | Not applicable | $1,600 |
| Personal income tax savings2 (0.35 × amount donated to charity) | $3,500 | $3,500 |
| Net Tax savings | $3,500 | $5,100 |
Above example assumes 35% tax bracket, a cost basis of $2,000, that the investment has been held for more than a year, and that all realized gains are subject to a 20% long-term capital gains tax rate. This does not take into account any state or local taxes.
No Longer Itemizing? Consider “bunching” donations.
The advice from many experts is to bunch donations so that your itemized deductions go beyond the current standard deduction amounts for 2021 of $12,550 for individuals and $25,500 for joint filers (adjusted annually for inflation). If you do not routinely exceed the standard deduction, you can get over it by bunching donations of stock to a donor advised fund. If you bunch donations into a donor advised fund, you can claim a charitable income deduction this year, and then distribute the monies to the charities of your choice over several years. Click here to learn more about Donor Advised Funds.
Note, certain federal income tax deductions, including the charitable contribution, are available only to taxpayers who itemize deductions, and may be subject to reduction for taxpayers with AGI above certain levels. Deductions for contributions of appreciated property generally are limited to 30% of the donor’s AGI, however, excess contributions may be carried forward for up to five years. If you hold securities with a loss, it is usually better to sell first. By doing so, you can take the capital loss for tax purposes and then donate the cash. In most cases, donating appreciated securities can be a cost-effective way to benefit the charities of your choice. Please consult with your professional advisor to determine your specific situation.
For more information contact Lisa Stanger, Jewish Foundation Executive Director, [email protected], 203-387-2424, ext.382. or visit us at www.newhavenjewishfoundation.org or www.jewishlegacynewhaven.org.