For investors

Give your winners, not your cash, and skip the gains tax.

If you give to charity and hold investments that have grown, donating the shares directly is better than giving cash. You avoid the gains tax and still deduct the full value.

Watch the quick version

See how it works through one simple example.

Is this you?

You give to charity and own investments that have gone up.
Works best with shares held over a year that have grown a lot.

Here is the idea, in plain words

If you sold the stock first, you would owe tax on the gain. Donating it directly avoids that.

The charity gets the full value, and you can deduct the full value if you itemize.

It is one of the most efficient ways to give.

What this could be worth

Worth skipping the capital gains tax on the donated shares, plus a full-value deduction if you itemize.
  • 1Pick highly appreciated shares held over a year.
  • 2Transfer them directly to the charity, do not sell first.
  • 3Keep the receipt and claim the deduction if you itemize.

Educational guidance, not tax advice. We confirm every figure and your eligibility before you act.

Ready?

See your giving savings

Connect your account and we find the best shares to give and the tax you save.

Connect my account
🔒 Read-only access ✓ We never move your money 🛡 Secured by Plaid

Free to check. Nothing happens until you say so.

What to watch out for

The honest version.

  • The shares should be held over a year for the full benefit.
  • You need to itemize to take the deduction.
  • The charity must be able to accept stock.

Common questions

Why not just give cash?

Giving stock avoids the gains tax you would owe if you sold, so more goes to charity and less to tax.

Do I need to itemize?

Yes, to claim the deduction.

What if my stock is down?

Then sell it, take the loss, and give the cash instead.

← Back to all tax guides
See your number

Find out what you're overpaying, free

Connect an account or upload last year's return. No card to get your number.

Find my savings