Do you have appreciated securities/stock that has increased in value since you acquired it, and that you have owned for one year or longer? If you do, consider contributing shares of your appreciated stock to the church to fulfill your pledge, make an unrestricted gift, or fund capital improvements in the parish hall or sanctuary. You can also make a gift of appreciated stock to the church’s endowment fund to strengthen the church for the future.

When you sell appreciated stock, you pay tax on the capital gain. However, if you donate the stock that you have owned for a year or more to the church, the full fair market value of the stock is a tax-deductible gift. Some people find that by doing this they can give more than they had originally planned, and their gift “costs” them less because of the tax savings.

We also recommend that you consult your advisor or tax accountant whenever you plan a major gift to the church.

The above is provided for information purposes only and is not intended as legal or financial advice.

DOCUMENT: Instructions for Donating Appreciated Stock