the torch Fall 2015, Issue 3 | Page 18

G I F T P L A N N I N G Promoting care through gifts of stock School has started and the holidays are just around the corner. As the last quarter of 2015 approaches, it is a great time to take stock of what is important. Many who have been touched by Baylor Health Care System make year-end gifts to improve the lives of patients and their families. Combining the desire to give back with the desire to make their charitable gifts go farther, they choose gifts of stock. Did you know giving stock can be more beneficial than giving cash? If you make your gift using appreciated securities, like publicly traded stocks, bonds or mutual fund shares, you will receive additional tax benefits. Since the securities are donated rather than sold, capital gains taxes from selling the securities no longer apply. And the more appreciation the securities have, the greater the tax savings. How it Works n You transfer appreciated stocks, bonds or mutual fund shares you have held longer than one year to Baylor Health Care System Foundation. n The Foundation sells your securities and uses the proceeds to support the Baylor program most special to you. Benefits n You receive an immediate income-tax deduction for the fair market value of the securities on the date of transfer, no matter what you originally paid for them. n You pay no capital gains tax on the transfer. n Baylor receives much-needed funds for patient care, programs and research that you designate. EXAMPLE Linda and Tom purchased stock in 2007 for $10,500. The stock has appreciated $14,500 since that time and its current fair market value is $25,000. If they sell the stock, they will owe capital gains tax on the $14,500 of appreciation. A SMARTER IDEA: If Linda and Tom contribute their stock to Baylor Health Care System Foundation, they can: n Make a gift valued at $25,000, the current fair market value of their stock n Claim a $25,000 income tax deduction on their 2015 income tax return n Avoid capital gains tax they would have paid had they sold the stock You’re in Good Company Many friends of Baylor give stock to leverage their investments in Baylor. Margo Goodwin, chairman, Baylor Health Care System Foundation Board of Directors, had this to say, “Bill and I love making our gifts to Baylor using stock. It allows us to make bigger gifts than if we just grabbed our checkbooks – sometimes a lot bigger if the stock has significantly appreciated. We use stock we’ve held a long time that has a low basis. And frankly, it’s a great way to give because you’re not out the cash – you tend to listen to your heart, not your pocket book. With a gift of stock, you can have a greater impact in the areas at Baylor that are most special to you. Plus, it’s just so easy to transfer stock.” For more information on gifts of stock or other planned giving opportunities, contact Cynthia Krause at 214.820.7928 or [email protected] or visit www.baylorhealth-plannedgiving.com. Baylor Health Care System does not provide legal, accounting or tax advice. Please consult your professional advisors for assistance in these areas. 18 18