Planned Giving Home Planned Giving Options Contact Planned Giving FAQs Glossary Section Site Map Resources and Information for Advisors News and Information

Tangible Personal Property

Goal: Make a gift of real property, such as coins, stamps, antiques or art
Benefit: A charitable tax deduction and the possibility of income for life if done through a trust

Tangible Personal Property, such as art, jewelry, coin collections and household furnishings can be gifted recognizing that there are specific guidelines from the IRS as to the tax deductibility of the gift. A key issue to be considered before contributing a gift of this type is whether or not the item(s) can be put to related use (whether its use or function is related to the tax-exempt purpose of the charity to which it is donated).

The IRS has very specific guidelines for appraising and reporting gifts of tangible personal property, which must be followed to support a charitable income tax deduction. There are also requirements regarding the size and value of the gift and time frames within which reports must be filed. Gifts such as these may require approval by our Board of Directors.

Donors can give tangible personal property in a variety of ways depending on their personal objectives. The easiest and most common method is an outright gift allowing the charity to have immediate use of the property. But, other methods may enable the donor to convert the personal property into a stream of payments. Depending on the property and it's value, it may be possible to fund a charitable remainder trust or a gift annuity (if available through the charity). Another option is using a bargain sale agreement that provides payment to the donor in installments.

Even though a gift of property for non related use may not create a significant charitable tax deduction, other significant aspects may be very advantageous for the donor. The avoidance or postponement of tax on the capital gain for collectibles is significant as the tax is higher than on a gift of appreciated securities. Other financial benefits could include payments for life or a term of years and/or the exclusion of the property from a taxable estate.

Return to Appreciated Assets, to the Planned Giving home page, or to the Quick Guide to Planned Gifts.

For more information or a confidential discussion of your charitable options, please email or call Dawn Kuhn, the Vice President for Individual Giving, at (727) 687-9190.

Please note, individual financial circumstances will vary. The information on this site does not constitute legal or tax advice. Donor stories and photographs are for purposes of illustration only. As with all tax and estate planning, please consult your attorney or estate specialist. All material is copyrighted and is for viewing purposes only. Use of this site signifies your agreement with the terms of use. The content in this Planned Giving section has been developed for Big Brothers Big Sisters by Future Focus. Please report any problems to section webmaster.

INFO@BBBSTAMPABAY.ORG 813-769-3600
5555 W. Water Ave., Suite 607
Tampa, FL 33634