Appreciated Securities
Giving appreciated securities to Harvard may offer additional tax benefits when compared to gifts of cash—and can often help you make an even larger impact on the University’s students and faculty.
How It Works
| Key donor benefits of a $10,000 gift of stock with a cost basis of $2,000 | Cash Gift | Stock Gift |
|---|---|---|
| Current fair market value of stock | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| Income taxes saved | $3,960 | $3,960 |
| Capital gains taxes saved* | $0 | $1,904 |
| Total tax savings | $3,960 | $5,864 |
Benefits
- Avoid capital gains taxes on any growth when you give securities you have held for a year or longer.
- Receive a charitable income tax deduction for your gift’s full fair market value.
Real Estate
By making a gift of real estate, you can leverage a significant asset to support Harvard’s mission while saving on taxes, increasing your income, or reducing the burden of maintaining or selling your property. Gifts can be made with residential, commercial, or undeveloped real estate.
Types of Gifts
- Make an outright gift of either a percentage interest or an entire property.
- Fund a trust or annuity with your real estate property to receive income for life while saving on income, capital gains, gift, and estate taxes.
- Establish a retained life estate arrangement by donating your home to Harvard and continuing to live there for your lifetime.
Personal Property
Gifts of art, collections, and other tangible property can be an effective way to provide meaningful support for the University. You can transfer your property directly, use it to establish a trust or annuity, or leave it to Harvard in your will or estate plan. These gifts provide an immediate income tax deduction, reduce the size of your taxable estate, and may reduce capital gains taxes.
Business Interests
Giving shares in a closely held or family business can be a tax-wise way to support Harvard’s mission. Contact us for more information.