God will always make you rich enough to be generous at all times,
so that many will thank God for your gifts…II Corinthians 9:11
 
The Giving of Appreciated Assets
Often, the largest gifts to a campaign come from those who are able to make gifts from their assets.
 
What Does It Mean to Give Appreciated Assets?

• The giving of an appreciated asset generally refers to transferring ownership of an asset to the parish, rather than selling the asset and donating the cash proceeds.

• The giving of appreciated investment property held more than one year, such as stock, mutual fund shares, bonds, real estate, collectibles, and other such property has tremendous tax advantages.
• Personal property such as automobiles, jewelry, and other items of value may also be given. 

• The tax code is very generous toward this form of giving.
• Giving the asset to the parish, eliminates potential capital gains taxes and can increase the after-tax proceeds.
• The giving of assets often makes possible the donation of larger gifts than if a person gives solely out of current income.

• Itemized Deduction:  The individual or business is allowed to include 100 percent of the market value of most such assets as charitable contributions for tax purposes if held more than one year.
• Capital Gains:  The transfer of property does not generate a capital gains tax liability for the giver.
• The parish, as a tax-exempt entity, will realize the full market value, less transaction costs, at the time of sale without paying capital gains taxes.

• You may be subject to capital gains taxes, thereby reducing the after-tax proceeds from the sale.

• For stocks, mutual fund shares, bonds and other types of assets contact your broker and the parish office.

Other Strategies for a Variety of Gift Sizes
 
Cash Flow Gifts:  A person can give significantly by giving smaller amounts at higher frequencies.  Weekly, semi-monthly or monthly giving allows large gifts to be reached in smaller steps.
 
Delayed Expenditures:  The delaying of purchases allows a person to significantly increase giving.  Postponed acquisition of major items such as automobiles, homes or trips provides substantial giving opportunities.
 
Income Producing Assets:  Interest income, payments from rental properties or monies from other income producing assets provide a source for increased giving.
 
Sale of Assets:  The sale of major assets, such as a house, vacation property, car, land or business, provides proceeds for giving.  One person made a substantial commitment that was paid when his house later sold.
 
Freedom from Debt:  As a person looks ahead over the next 12 months, he or she may discover that some debt obligations will be fulfilled.  This frees up revenue for additional giving.  For example, a person may complete a $300 a month car payment and then be able to give that same monthly amount during the remainder of the year.
 
Charitable Giving Resources:  Reviewing all of one’s charitable donations in light of their impact on the kingdom of God and reallocating some of this giving affords an additional resource for significant giving to the organization.  A person may divert funds from one supported cause, give to the parish for a period of time and then resume giving to the original cause.
 
Savings and Annuities:  Savings set aside for special projects, retirement or a “rainy day” may offer a resource for increased giving.  Often we realize that a portion of our savings may safely be given to the work of God’s kingdom.
 
Prayer Not Pressure
Your financial involvement is a spiritual decision between you and the Lord, to be discerned through prayer.For giving to be a true act of worship, pleasing to God, it must be a heartfelt response of faith and gratitude.
 
The very nature of this campaign does not allow for anyone to be pressured into giving.While the needs of your parish and suggestions about ways of giving to meet those needs are being shared with you, this is not intended to tell you what you should give.Only God can speak to your heart and reveal to you God’s will for your financial participation.Remember to be praying:"Lord, what do You want to do through me to fulfill Your will for Saint Pius X Parish?”

NOTE:  The forgoing discussion of tax treatment should not be considered definitive tax advice.  Consult your personal tax professional for advice on your unique tax position.