Giving stocks and bonds that have increased in value (and have applicable long-term captial gain implications) may provide you with greater tax benefits than giving cash. Your charitable income tax deduction is equal to the fair market value of the securities (subject to Adjusted Gross Income limitations), and you avoid paying the capital gains tax on any increase in the fair market value over the original cost of the asset.

The easiest way to transfer securities is to have your broker contact the ACU Development Office at 325-674-2636. Be sure to describe the securities and also state the purpose of your gift in a letter to the university. A gift of securities is considered complete when the shares are received into an ACU brokerage account.

Another way to transfer securities is to send the actual certificates to ACU by registered mail and, under separate cover, mail a signed stock power with your signature guaranteed. NOTE: Please do not write "Abilene Christian University" on the certificate or on the stock power, nor have the certificate reissued in ACU's name, as this will delay the processing of your gift. A gift made in this way is considered complete on the postmarked date of mailing.

The value of a gift of publicly held securities is calculated by taking the average of the high and low sales price of the stock or bond on the date of your gift. Because of this averaging, your charitable deduction may be slightly different from the actual sale price.

Securities that have decreased in market value still make a beneficial gift to ACU. It may be to your advantage to first sell the securities, then give the university the cash. You may deduct your capital loss to offset captial gains realized in the year your gift is made, plus some ordinary income. Consult your tax advisor for complete information.

For more information about giving securities to ACU, contact John Tyson in the Development Office by email or by calling 325-674-2659.