United Way of Jefferson and North Walworth Counties United Way logo
graphic spacer
Donate Now Success Stories Subscribe to Our Newsletter
graphic spacer
Home Our United Way Help Gifts and Donations Our Community Newsroom Campaign Thank You Contact Us
graphic spacer
graphic spacer
Gifts and Donations > Investments and Securities

Gifts of Appreciated Securities

While many people only think of cash and payroll deduction contributions to United Way, a gift of securities may be a wiser choice.  An individual who contributes stock benefits by:

  • Claiming the market value (versus the cost basis) of the securities as a tax-deductible contribution
  • Avoiding capital gains tax on the profit from the sale of securities, lowering the cost basis of the gift.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Assume you purchased 100 shares of XYZ Corporation in 1993 for $2,000.  Today, the shares are worth $10,000.  If you sold the stock, you would realize an $8,000 capital gain.  You wonder if you should use your appreciated stock or cash for an outright gift to the United Way’s endowment.  Here’s the comparison:

POTENTIAL STOCK
GIFT BENEFITS

OPTION 1
Give Stock

OPTION 2
Give cash

A – Gift Value $10,000 $10,000

B – Capital Gains Tax Savings on $8,000 gain
(assumes 20% tax rate and 6% Wisconsin tax rate)

($2,080)
Saved
0
C – Ordinary Income Tax Savings
(assumed 31% rate)
($3,100) ($3,100)
D – Gift cost to you $4,820 $6,900
Here's the
benefit to you:
$2,080!

HOW?

  1. Contact your broker and request a transfer of securities to the United Way of Jefferson and North Walworth Counties. United Way maintains accounts at most of the brokerage firms in this area. Please call 920-563-8880 to obtain the correct account number.

  2. Please confirm in writing with the United Way of Jefferson and North Walworth Counties all instructions to your broker or bank so that we may properly acknowledge your gift. Send information to: Daniel J. McCrea, United Way of Jefferson and North Walworth Counties, 611 Grove Street, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 or fax 920-563-0051.

Example is for illustrative purposes only. Please consult with your financial or tax advisor.

Home | Our United Way | Help | Gifts and Donations | Our Community | Newsroom | Campaign | Contact Us | Thank You | Privacy