Donating stock directly to charity can have more tax savings than selling a stock first.
Sell stock and donate after-tax proceeds Donate stock directly to charity
Long-term capital gains taxes owed
$130,000
($650,000 x .20)
$0
Charitable gift and equivalent tax deduction
$620,000
($750,000 – $130,000)
$750,000
Tax savings
$99,400
([$620,000 x .37] – $130,000)
$277,500
($750,000 x 0.37)
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This hypothetical example is for illustrative purposes only. The example assumes an original cost basis for the stock of $100,000 and federal long-term capital gains tax rate of 20%, and an adjusted gross income of $2 million. This example does not take into account any state or local taxes or the net investment income tax.