W      Take advantage of the charitable tax deduction for gifts made before December 31.

W      Evaluate the benefit of donating appreciated assets versus cash.

W      Allow time enough to complete your charitable gift transaction. The time required will vary with the type of asset to be donated and the gift option you choose.

W      Consider the variety of gift options available to you, such as a charitable gift annuity or a charitable trust, which would also provide you with income.

W      It’s always wise to consult with your tax professional when determining your year-end charitable giving.

Giving Stocks or Mutual Funds

Now may be the time to use appreciated securities for your year-end giving. Benefits of giving appreciated assets of stocks or mutual funds include:

W      avoiding capital gain tax

W      receiving a charitable deduction for the full fair market value of the asset

W      removing the appreciated asset from your taxable estate

The process is easy. If you have a stock certificate, take it to a bank or broker to have your signature guaranteed, and then bring your certificate to church. If your stock or securities are in a brokerage account, request your broker to transfer them to Christ Community Church’s account at Scottrade, account number 21161067, DTC #0705.

Be sure to let the church know about your transaction.  Sometimes the church receives a stock without knowing who gave it or for what purpose it was intended.  And sometimes the donor’s broker fails to follow through with a gift you intended and ordered.  Be sure to let us know of your gift!