Selecting a charity that will use your money wisely and effectively isn’t easy, particularly during this hectic time of year. Donor-advised funds are one solution. These funds allow you to make a charitable contribution now and claim the tax deduction on your 2013 tax return, but distribute the money later. The funds are ideal for busy people who want to give but aren’t sure which charities to support, says Martin Shenkman, a New Jersey lawyer who specializes in tax and estate planning.
Interest in donor-advised funds typically swells in bull markets, and this year is no exception. At Fidelity, the number of new accounts in the first half of 2013 was up 43% over the first half of 2012. That’s because donor-advised funds are a tax-efficient way to donate taxable stock, mutual funds or other assets that have gained in value. You can claim a deduction for the entire market value of the securities. Your donor-advised fund will sell the securities and add the proceeds to your account.
The funds are a tax-break twofer. You avoid capital gains taxes, and the donor-advised fund doesn’t have to pay them, either, which means there’s more money available for charity, says Kim Laughton, president of Schwab Charitable. Some large donor-advised funds, such as Fidelity Charitable, also accept donations of illiquid assets, such as non-publicly traded securities and real estate.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
You don’t need to be Bill Gates to contribute to a donor-advised fund. The minimum required to open an account at Fidelity Charitable and Schwab Charitable is $5,000; at Vanguard Charitable, it’s $25,000. Some community foundations offer donor-advised funds with minimums as low as $1,000.
-
Fed's Rate Cuts Could Have Impacts You Might Not AnticipateUnderstanding how lower interest rates could impact your wallet can help you determine the right financial moves to make.
-
Past Performance Is Not Indicative of Your Adviser's ExpertiseMany people find a financial adviser by searching online or asking for referrals from friends or family. This can actually end up costing you big-time.
-
I'm want to give my 3 grandkids $5K each for Christmas.You're comfortably retired and want to give your grandkids a big Christmas check, but their parents are worried they might spend it all. We ask the pros for help.
-
5 Types of Gifts the IRS Won’t Tax: Even If They’re BigGift Tax Several categories of gifts don’t count toward annual gift tax limits. Here's what you need to know.
-
The 'Scrooge' Strategy: How to Turn Your Old Junk Into a Tax DeductionTax Deductions We break down the IRS rules for non-cash charitable contributions. Plus, here's a handy checklist before you donate to charity this year.
-
Tax Refund Alert: House GOP Predicts 'Average' $1,000 Payouts in 2026Tax Refunds Here's how the IRS tax refund outlook for 2026 is changing and what steps you can take now to prepare.
-
New IRS Changes to FSA Contribution Limits for 2026: What to KnowHealth Care Flexible Spending Accounts have tax advantages worth looking into, especially in light of new IRS changes.
-
Is a New $25,000 Health Care Tax Deduction Coming in 2026?Tax Policy A proposal from GOP Sen. Josh Hawley adds to the chatter about health care affordability.
-
3 Ways High-Income Earners Can Maximize Their Charitable Donations in 2025Tax Deductions New charitable giving tax rules will soon lower your deduction for donations to charity — here’s what you should do now.
-
An HSA Sounds Great for Taxes: Here’s Why It Might Not Be Right for YouHealth Savings Even with the promise of ‘triple tax benefits,’ a health savings account might not be the best health plan option for everyone.
-
10 Retirement Tax Plan Moves to Make Before December 31Retirement Taxes Proactively reviewing your health coverage, RMDs and IRAs can lower retirement taxes in 2025 and 2026. Here’s how.
