Tax Advantaged Strategies

Have Your Stocks Risen In Value?

Get Double Tax Benefits By Giving Them Directly

When you give stocks that have risen in value, you may be eligible to deduct the full “appreciated” amount AND avoid paying capital gains taxes. This allows you to make a significant gift at a very low “cost.” For example:

If you own 50 shares of XYZ Company whose stock has increased from $40 to $50 per share over time, and you donate the shares directly to the NFF, here is the math:

• Your cost to buy the original shares: $2,000 (50 shares X $40 each)
• The value of your charitable donation: $2,500 (50 shares X $50 each)
• Capital gains tax avoided $75 (assuming 15% long-term rate)
  

Actual “cost” of your $2,500 donation: $1,925 (cost to buy minus tax savings)

It is important that you give the securities themselves versus selling them first, and it is always a good idea to check with your financial advisor on what you can deduct.

When you are ready to make your gift, here are the simple instructions: Stock Transfer Instructions (PDF).

Donor Advised Funds (DAF)

A Donor Advised Fund (DAF) is an increasingly popular charitable giving vehicle administered by a third party that may allow you to take an immediate tax deduction and then spread out your charitable gifts as you wish. DAFs offer favorable tax benefits and an easy, flexible, low-cost way of giving to charities of your choice. If you already have your DAF set up or plan to establish one, supporting the National Forest Foundation could be easy, quick, and tax-efficient. Most major DAF administrators (such as Fidelity, Schwab, or Vanguard) allow simple, online electronic donations from your account to the organization of your choice.

When granting through your donor-advised fund, please use the following information or follow this link to our DAF Portal.

Tax ID

National Forest Foundation
Tax ID 52-1786332

Mailing address

National Forest Foundation
27 Fort Missoula Road, Suite 3
Missoula, MT 59804-7212

Tax Advantages of Giving from Your IRA

If you are 70½ or older, you can make a direct transfer from your IRA to the National Forest Foundation without having to count this as income for federal income tax purposes. Thus, the transfer not only satisfies the minimum distribution requirement but can also provide a significant tax benefit. Of course, this may enable you to make a greater charitable gift now at a lower “cost” to support our National Forests. Again, we encourage you to check with your financial advisor. If you have questions, please contact Marcus Selig at the NFF at 720.437.0290 or [email protected].

Other Immediate Non-Cash Gifts

Business interests, real estate, land, valuable artwork, and personal property may also provide you with ways of giving that could offer income tax deductions and capital gains tax savings. Please consult your tax or legal advisor for details about your particular situation before making this gift. For more information, please call Marcus Selig at the NFF at 720.437.0290.

Thank you for your support.