When it comes to making a difference with your investments, there's a significant difference between selling a stock and donating a stock. Selling a stock, especially one that has appreciated in value, can result in a hefty tax bill due to capital gains tax. However, donating a stock to a charity can not only help you avoid this tax, but it can also allow you to make a larger impact on the causes you care about.
Let's take an example. Suppose you bought 100 shares of Apple at $50 a share years ago. Today, those shares are worth $150 each, meaning you have $15,000 worth of Apple stock with a gain of $10,000 over your original investment. If you sell that stock, you might owe as much as $3,000 in taxes, leaving you with just $13,000. That's less money for you and less money for you to donate to charity.
However, if you donate the stock to charity, you avoid the capital gains tax, saving you $2,000. Additionally, you can deduct the full market value of the stock you donated from your income, potentially saving you even more on your annual taxes. As a result, you end up with more money in your pocket, and the charity receives a larger donation.
The challenge is that most charities aren't set up to accept stock donations directly. This is where a donor-advised fund (DAF) like Daffy comes in. Daffy allows you to contribute stock, get a full tax deduction for your charitable contribution, and then give money to any of 1.5 million charities across the United States. It's a win-win situation for you and the organizations you support.
So, if you're looking to lower your tax bill and maximize your generosity, consider Daffy. It's the donor-advised fund for you. With Daffy, you can simplify your giving, easily donate to almost every US public charity, track tax-deductible contributions, and access donation receipts all in one place. Plus, Daffy waives all membership fees for members with less than $100 in their fund.
Please note that this information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered tax advice. Always consult with a tax professional to assess your specific tax situation.