Question of the Month (October 2019): Charitable Deductions

Posted by Mike Long, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®

Oct 1, 2019

Mr. and Mrs. Owens want to make a gift to a private university. Their AGI is $300,000. They own a variety of assets. Which asset would produce the largest income tax deduction this year?

  1. Stock bought 2 years ago for $130,000; now worth $150,000.
  2. A painting bought 5 years ago for $50,000; now worth $150,000.
  3. Stock bought 6 years ago for $30,000; now worth $150,000.
  4. Stock bought 2 years ago for $180,000; now worth $100,000.

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Correct answer: A. Stock bought 2 years ago for $130,000; now worth $150,000.

Instructor insight:

The question is asking for the largest income tax deduction this year. If they value the donated stock at basis, they can deduct $130,000. With regard to the painting, they must valuate at basis ($50,000 use unrelated). Stock bought six years ago for $30,000, now worth $150,000 produces a deduction of $90,000 (30% of AGI). Stock bought two years ago for $180,000, now worth $100,000 is loss property. They should sell it and take the loss.

 

Topics: Practice Questions