KCTS Seattle Primetime Weekend Kids and Family Public Affairs
The Public Network
Inside KCTS

 PROGRAMS A-Z

 What's New
Pledge/Renew
Clubs & Benefits
Tax Advantaged Giving
Matching Gifts
Gifts of Securities
Planned Giving
Other Ways to Give
Thank You Gifts
Change of Address
FAQ
Gifts of Securities
Paying too much in taxes this year?
A gift of securities incorporated into your charitable giving plan for this tax year can lower your income taxes and escape capital gains taxation, thus increasing the efficiency of your gift.

Benefits of Contributing Securities to KCTS, the Public Network:

When you donate long-term appreciated securities, you can
  • avoid capital gains taxes
  • claim the full value of the gift as a charitable deduction
  • make a larger gift than if you first sold the securities and then gave the net proceeds
  • support programming you value and enjoy
FREQUENTLY RAISED QUESTIONS ABOUT GIFTS OF STOCK:

What are the advantages of transferring appreciated stock to KCTS?
If you have held the stock for more than 12 months, you will completely avoid paying any capital gains tax and receive a tax deduction for the full value of the stock. By avoiding capital gains tax, the net cost of such a gift can be surprisingly low. Suppose, for example, that you are in the 35-percent tax bracket and you contribute stock with a value of $10,000 and a cost basis of $2,000. The following chart illustrates your savings:

Current Value Tax Savings from Deduction Capital Gains Taxes You Save Net Cost of Gift
$10,000 $3,500 $1,600 $4,900


What should I do if my stock has depreciated in value?
Sell the stock and give the cash proceeds. You will be entitled to two deductions, one for the capital loss and the other for the charitable gift. Do not, however, give the depreciated stock directly to the nonprofit organization, as you will not be able to take a deduction for the capital loss.

What if I want to keep my stock portfolio as it is?
If you are planning to make a year-end cash gift -- $5,000 for example - and you also own appreciated stock that you want to retain, contribute $5,000 worth of stock and repurchase the stock on the market with your cash. You receive the same $5,000 charitable deduction, you pay no tax on the capital gain, and you increase your cost basis, thereby reducing the capital gains tax due when you eventually sell the stock.

We hope that the examples above will be of use to you in planning your gifts to KCTS. The information above is by necessity of a general nature. Please consult with your accountant, attorney or other professional advisor regarding its applicability to your particular circumstances.

Notice Regarding Required Information
The donor or the transferring broker must provide the following information, for audit and acknowledgment purposes:

Donor's name and complete address
Name and number of securities transferred
Specific KCTS program to which gift should be directed, if any

At the time of transfer, you may communicate this information by sending a letter or an e-mail to:

Amy Studer
Phone: 206.448.4660
E-mail: astuder@kcts.org

Many thanks for your interest in supporting the work of KCTS, the Public Network.


KCTS and PBS

PBS.org KCTS.org home