How to Donate Stocks, Crypto, or Property to a Nonprofit

Donating stocks, cryptocurrency, or property to a nonprofit can be one of the most tax-efficient ways to support the causes you care about. When you donate appreciated assets instead of cash, you can often give more, save on taxes, and diversify your portfolio or simplify your balance sheet at the same time.

This guide walks you through how to donate stocks, crypto, or property to a nonprofit, how the tax rules work, what forms and documentation you’ll need, and how to decide which strategy fits your situation. We’ll also look at future trends, including how tax rules and donor behavior are evolving around non-cash giving.

Why Donating Stocks, Crypto, or Property Can Be Smarter Than Cash

Why Donating Stocks, Crypto, or Property Can Be Smarter Than Cash

When you donate stocks, crypto, or property to a nonprofit instead of writing a check, you unlock a key advantage: avoiding capital gains tax on the appreciation while still potentially deducting the full fair market value of the asset if you’ve held it long term.

If you sell an appreciated stock or crypto position and then donate the cash, you trigger a taxable gain on the sale. By donating the asset directly, you typically:

  • Avoid capital gains tax on the unrealized gain.
  • Deduct the full fair market value (FMV) of the asset if held more than one year and given to a qualifying public charity, subject to adjusted gross income (AGI) limits.
  • Preserve your cash for other needs or investments.
  • Give more to the nonprofit because every dollar that would have gone to tax instead goes to charity.

This “double benefit” is why financial advisors so often recommend using appreciated securities and other assets for philanthropy. It can also help you rebalance a concentrated portfolio, reduce exposure to a single stock, or unload complex assets like real estate in a way that aligns with your values.

Crypto and property donations add even more flexibility. Crypto donors often face big unrealized gains after bull runs, making it attractive to donate coins or tokens directly to charities or donor-advised funds.

Real estate and other property donations can remove management headaches, property taxes, or illiquid positions from your balance sheet while providing major support to a nonprofit.

When you donate stocks, crypto, or property to a nonprofit, you’re not just giving away an asset—you’re using the tax code strategically to maximize impact. That’s why this approach has grown sharply in recent years, especially among high-income and high-net-worth donors.

Core Tax Rules for Non-Cash Charitable Contributions

Core Tax Rules for Non-Cash Charitable Contributions

Donating stocks, crypto, or property to a nonprofit is powerful, but the tax rules are detailed. Understanding the basics helps you avoid mistakes and preserve your deduction. Most of the key rules come from the Internal Revenue Code and IRS Publication 526 on charitable contributions, plus related guidance and Form 8283 instructions.

At a high level, you need to think about:

  • The type of asset (publicly traded stock, crypto, real estate, private business, collectibles, etc.).
  • How long you’ve held it (short-term vs long-term).
  • The type of charity (public charity, donor-advised fund sponsor, or certain private foundations).
  • Your AGI and the percentage-of-AGI limits that apply.
  • Whether you need a qualified appraisal and Form 8283.

If you want to donate stocks, crypto, or property to a nonprofit and claim a deduction, your gift generally must go to a qualifying organization (often a 501(c)(3) public charity or a donor-advised fund sponsor). Contributions to individuals, political organizations, or non-qualified entities usually do not produce deductions.

This section breaks down three essential building blocks: holding period, AGI limits, and documentation/appraisal rules.

Long-Term vs Short-Term Appreciated Assets

Long-Term vs Short-Term Appreciated Assets

Whether your donation is treated as long-term or short-term capital gain property has a huge effect on how much you can deduct.

  • Long-term capital gain property: Assets held more than one year, such as stock, crypto, or property whose sale would generate long-term capital gains.
  • Short-term property: Assets held one year or less, where a sale would create short-term capital gains.

If you donate long-term appreciated stock or crypto to a public charity, you typically can deduct the full fair market value of the asset on the date of the gift (subject to AGI limits). This is what makes it so attractive to donate stocks, crypto, or property to a nonprofit once your holding period passes the one-year mark.

If the asset is short-term, your deduction is usually limited to the lesser of your cost basis or FMV. The same is generally true for some types of property like collectibles, where special rules apply. In practical terms, that means:

  • If you have short-term gains, it may be better to sell the asset, pay the tax, and donate cash, or simply wait until it becomes long-term if that fits your strategy.
  • For long-term appreciated assets, donating directly is usually more tax-efficient than selling then giving cash.

The long-term vs short-term distinction also matters when you donate property like real estate or interests in a business. Long-term property tends to get FMV treatment; short-term property is often limited to basis.

AGI Limits and Carryforwards

Even when you donate stocks, crypto, or property to a nonprofit, your deduction is capped as a percentage of your AGI. The exact percentage depends on the type of asset and the type of recipient charity. Under current rules:

  • Cash contributions to public charities can generally be deducted up to 60% of AGI.
  • Appreciated capital gain property (like long-term stock or crypto) given to public charities and donor-advised funds is usually limited to 30% of AGI.
  • Certain gifts to private foundations may be limited to 20% or 30% of AGI, depending on the asset type and foundation classification.

If your total charitable contributions exceed these limits, you don’t lose the deduction entirely. Instead, you can generally carry forward the unused portion for up to five additional tax years, subject to the same percentage limits each year.

Looking ahead, recent commentary warns that starting in 2026, some donors—particularly those in the highest brackets—may face less favorable charitable deduction rules, including a possible AGI “floor” for claiming deductions and slightly lower maximum deduction benefits for top earners.

That’s one reason high-income donors are considering accelerating major non-cash gifts, including when they donate stocks, crypto, or property to a nonprofit, into 2025.

Because AGI limits and future law changes can be complex, it’s wise to coordinate large non-cash gifts with a qualified tax professional.

Documentation, Form 8283, and Qualified Appraisals

The bigger and more complex your non-cash gift, the more documentation is required. For tax purposes, there are three main tiers:

  1. Non-cash gifts over $500:
    • You typically must file Form 8283 (Noncash Charitable Contributions) with your return.
  2. Deductions over $5,000 for a single item or group of similar items (like stock, crypto, or property):
    • You generally must complete Section B of Form 8283.
    • You must obtain a qualified appraisal unless an exception applies (for example, some publicly traded securities).
  3. Deductions over $500,000 for an item or group of similar items:
    • You must attach the qualified appraisal itself to your tax return, not just Form 8283.

For cryptocurrency donations, the IRS has made it clear that exchange-reported prices are not a substitute for a qualified appraisal when your claimed deduction exceeds $5,000. A written appraisal from a qualified appraiser with relevant experience is required, and the “reasonable cause” exception doesn’t excuse failure to obtain one.

Regardless of asset type, you’ll also need:

  • A contemporaneous written acknowledgment from the charity for gifts of $250 or more.
  • Records showing the date, asset, and value of your donation.
  • Evidence that the organization is a qualified charity.

When you donate stocks, crypto, or property to a nonprofit, these documentation rules are critical. Sloppy paperwork can cost you a deduction even if your charitable intent is unquestioned.

How to Donate Stocks and Mutual Funds to a Nonprofit

Donating appreciated stock is one of the simplest and most popular ways to donate stocks, crypto, or property to a nonprofit. It’s usually easier than giving real estate or private business interests, and many charities already have brokerage accounts or stock donation platforms in place.

The basic process looks like this:

  1. Identify the shares to donate
    • Focus on long-term appreciated positions where unrealized gains are high.
    • Consider using stock donations to trim concentrated holdings or legacy positions.
  2. Confirm the charity can accept stock
    • Many nonprofits provide transfer instructions on their website, including their brokerage firm, DTC number, and account name/number.
  3. Initiate a transfer from your brokerage
    • Use your broker’s charitable transfer or DTC transfer form to move shares directly to the nonprofit’s brokerage account.
  4. Document the gift
    • Record the date of transfer and the stock’s FMV on that date.
    • Keep the nonprofit’s written acknowledgment and your broker’s confirmation.

If you donate stocks and mutual funds you’ve held more than one year, you can typically claim a charitable deduction equal to the stock’s FMV (subject to the 30% of AGI limit for appreciated capital gain property) and avoid capital gains tax on the appreciation.

Donating Stock Directly to a Charity

When you donate stocks, crypto, or property to a nonprofit, donating stock directly is often the fastest path, especially when:

  • You know exactly which organization you want to support.
  • You’re making a one-time or occasional large gift.
  • The nonprofit already has a clear process for accepting stock donations.

Here’s a more detailed step-by-step for direct stock donations:

  1. Contact the nonprofit’s development office
    • Ask for stock donation instructions and confirm the timing they prefer.
    • Verify whether they will immediately liquidate the stock or hold it.
  2. Complete your brokerage’s charitable transfer form
    • Specify the ticker, number of shares, and receiving account details.
    • Ensure the name of the nonprofit matches the instructions exactly.
  3. Plan the timing
    • The donation date for tax purposes is typically when the shares leave your control, often the date they are transferred by the broker.
    • Avoid waiting until the last days of December if you want the deduction for that tax year.
  4. Verify the value and get acknowledgment
    • Your deduction is usually based on the average of the high and low trading prices on the transfer date or the closing price, depending on how you substantiate value.
    • The charity’s acknowledgment should describe the property but not state a value.

Going forward, more nonprofits are expected to adopt automated stock donation platforms, making it even easier to donate stocks, crypto, or property to a nonprofit via online flows that generate all the necessary tax documentation for you.

Donor-Advised Funds and Stock Gifts

Donor-advised funds (DAFs) have become a dominant home for non-cash gifts, including stock. A DAF is like a charitable investment account: you contribute assets, get an immediate deduction (subject to AGI limits), and then recommend grants to nonprofits over time.

When you donate stocks, crypto, or property to a nonprofit via a DAF instead of directly, you:

  • Contribute appreciated stock (or other non-cash assets) to the DAF sponsor.
  • Receive a deduction in the year of contribution, based on FMV if the stock is long-term and the DAF sponsor is a public charity.
  • Let the assets be invested tax-free within the DAF until you recommend grants.

This approach is especially useful when:

  • You want to “bunch” multiple years of giving into one year for tax purposes, then grant out funds over time.
  • You are not yet sure which nonprofits you want to support.
  • You want to simplify record-keeping by tracking one large donation rather than many small ones.

As more platforms streamline DAF contributions of stock and crypto, using a DAF is becoming a standard way to donate stocks, crypto, or property to a nonprofit in a flexible, multi-year strategy.

Gifting Restricted or Employer Stock

Giving employer stock, restricted stock units (RSUs), or shares with special restrictions can be more complicated when you donate stocks, crypto, or property to a nonprofit. Key issues include:

  • Vesting and transferability: RSUs generally can’t be donated directly until they vest and are actually shares you own.
  • Insider trading and blackout windows: If you are an insider at a public company, you must respect company trading policies and securities laws.
  • Restrictions on transfer: Some shares are subject to lock-ups or shareholder agreements that limit or require approval for transfers, including gifts.

If you want to donate employer stock:

  • Work with your company’s legal or compliance team to understand restrictions.
  • Coordinate with the nonprofit and your broker about timing and documentation.
  • Consider using a DAF or specialized charitable vehicle if direct gifts are constrained.

Future trends point to more employers and DAF sponsors offering integrated tools for employees who want to donate stocks, crypto, or property to a nonprofit directly from equity compensation platforms, making it easier to turn equity into impact.

How to Donate Cryptocurrency to a Nonprofit

Cryptocurrency has shifted from a niche asset to a mainstream source of charitable giving. Major charities, universities, and faith-based organizations now accept crypto donations, often through third-party platforms. Data shows that average crypto gifts are large and that crypto philanthropy has grown sharply in recent years.

When you donate stocks, crypto, or property to a nonprofit, donating crypto can be particularly powerful because many investors hold positions with substantial unrealized gains. Donating those coins or tokens directly allows you to avoid capital gains tax on the appreciation and, for long-term holdings, potentially claim a deduction for the full fair market value.

Choosing a Nonprofit or Platform That Accepts Crypto

Not all nonprofits are ready to handle crypto wallets, custody, and compliance. That’s why many rely on crypto donation platforms or DAF sponsors that accept crypto on their behalf. Leading platforms provide:

  • Wallet infrastructure and conversion of crypto to cash.
  • Automatic tax receipts and acknowledgments.
  • Compliance tools to help avoid problematic sources.

When you want to donate stocks, crypto, or property to a nonprofit using crypto, consider:

  • Does the nonprofit accept crypto directly?
    • Many list supported assets (Bitcoin, Ether, stablecoins, etc.) on their giving page.
  • Do they use a third-party processor?
    • In that case, your donation may technically go first to the processor (or its Donor-Advised Fund or 501(c)(3) partner), then to the nonprofit.
  • Do you prefer using a DAF?
    • Some DAF sponsors are leaders in accepting a wide range of crypto assets, then letting you grant to any eligible nonprofit.

Because crypto is volatile and technically complex, working with organizations that have experience with these donations is wise.

Tax Treatment and Appraisal Rules for Crypto Gifts

For tax purposes, the IRS treats most cryptocurrencies as property, not currency. This means that when you donate crypto, you are donating non-cash property, and the charitable deduction rules for property apply.

Key points when you donate crypto to a nonprofit:

  • If you’ve held the crypto for more than one year, it is long-term capital gain property.
    • You can generally deduct its fair market value on the date of the gift, subject to the 30% AGI limit for appreciated property.
  • If held one year or less, your deduction is typically limited to basis or FMV, whichever is lower.
  • You must file Form 8283 if your total non-cash contribution exceeds $500.

The biggest recent clarification is about qualified appraisals:

  • If you claim a deduction over $5,000 for donated crypto, the IRS requires a qualified appraisal.
  • The IRS has explicitly said that using the value reported by a crypto exchange is not an acceptable substitute for a qualified appraisal, and the reasonable-cause exception doesn’t excuse failure to obtain one.

For very large crypto donations, if your deduction will exceed $500,000, a copy of the appraisal must be attached to your return.

As crypto markets mature, many expect pressure on the IRS to simplify appraisal rules, especially for widely traded tokens. Some advocacy groups already argue that large-cap crypto should be treated like publicly traded securities for valuation purposes.

Until that happens, if you donate stocks, crypto, or property to a nonprofit, assume crypto gifts over $5,000 will require a formal appraisal.

Step-by-Step: Donating Crypto Safely

Here’s a practical process to donate crypto to a nonprofit:

  1. Select the asset and amount
    • Focus on long-term appreciated coins or tokens with significant unrealized gains.
  2. Confirm how the nonprofit accepts crypto
    • Direct wallet address, donation widget, or a platform/DAF.
  3. Initiate the transfer
    • Send the crypto to the designated address.
    • Double-check network (e.g., ETH vs ERC-20 vs other chains) to avoid loss.
  4. Document the transaction
    • Save screenshots or transaction hashes, plus market values at the time of transfer.
    • Obtain a qualified appraisal if your deduction will be over $5,000.
  5. Get a written acknowledgment
    • The nonprofit or platform should issue a receipt describing the asset and date.
  6. File the right forms
    • Include Form 8283 for non-cash gifts above $500.
    • Attach the appraisal if required.

As more donors choose to donate stocks, crypto, or property to a nonprofit, expect crypto donation flows to keep rising, especially after major market rallies where investors look for tax-efficient ways to realize gains while supporting charity.

How to Donate Real Estate and Other Property

Real estate donations can be transformational for nonprofits and extremely tax-efficient for donors. Donating a highly appreciated rental property, land, or vacation home can remove a management burden and property taxes while generating a large charitable deduction and eliminating capital gains tax on the appreciation.

However, real estate is more complex and requires careful planning. When you donate stocks, crypto, or property to a nonprofit, real estate sits at the “complex” end of the spectrum.

Common scenarios include:

  • Donating a rental property that has been appreciated significantly.
  • Giving raw land or a vacation home that you no longer want to maintain.
  • Transferring a remainder interest in a personal residence while retaining the right to live there for life.

Donating a Home, Land, or Rental Property

The basic steps to donate real estate to a nonprofit are:

  1. Assess feasibility with the nonprofit
    • Not all charities can handle real estate. Some may prefer using a DAF or supporting organization that specializes in accepting property.
  2. Obtain a qualified appraisal
    • For most real estate gifts, especially when your deduction will exceed $5,000, a qualified appraisal by a qualified appraiser is required.
  3. Conduct due diligence
    • The charity will typically review title, liens, environmental issues, leases, and local market conditions before accepting the property.
  4. Execute the transfer
    • A deed is prepared and recorded, transferring ownership to the charity or its property-handling partner.
    • The donation date is generally the date the deed is delivered and accepted.
  5. File Form 8283 and attach appraisal if needed
    • For large gifts, especially those with deductions over $500,000, you must attach the appraisal to your return.

If you’ve held the property more than one year and it would produce long-term capital gains if sold, your deduction is typically its FMV, subject to the 30% of AGI limit for appreciated property.

Looking ahead, more specialized charities and intermediaries are emerging to help donors donate stocks, crypto, or property to a nonprofit by handling real estate donations, including sales, environmental issues, and compliance. That trend should make it easier for ordinary donors—not just ultra-wealthy families—to gift property.

Donating Other Property (Business Interests, Collectibles, NFTs)

Beyond real estate, you can donate many other types of property:

  • Interests in closely held businesses (LLCs, partnerships, S-corps).
  • Collectibles like art, antiques, or rare coins.
  • Intellectual property such as certain patents or royalty interests.
  • Digital assets like NFTs, which are typically treated as property similar to crypto.

These donations almost always require:

  • Sophisticated valuation by qualified appraisers.
  • Detailed review by the charity, which may prefer to use a DAF or specialized charity to accept and liquidate the asset.
  • Advanced tax planning, especially where unrelated business taxable income (UBTI) could be triggered by certain operating business interests.

When you donate stocks, crypto, or property to a nonprofit using these complex assets, the potential tax benefits and philanthropic impact can be huge—but so can the complexity. That’s why donors often pair these gifts with estate planning, business transition, or liquidity events (like a sale or IPO).

When a Nonprofit Can’t Accept Your Property Directly

Sometimes a charity declines a property gift because of:

  • Environmental risks.
  • Low marketability or high carrying costs.
  • Legal or management burdens.

In those cases, you still may be able to donate stocks, crypto, or property to a nonprofit indirectly by:

  • Contributing the asset to a DAF sponsor or specialized charity that handles real estate or complex gifts.
  • Using a charitable remainder trust (CRT) to donate the asset, receive an income stream, and benefit charity later.

As the market for non-cash giving matures, more intermediaries will compete to help donors transform complex property into charitable capital, making it easier to donate stocks, crypto, or property to a nonprofit even when a favorite charity can’t accept the asset directly.

Strategic Planning: When and How Much to Give

Timing, asset choice, and overall tax planning are crucial when you donate stocks, crypto, or property to a nonprofit. An ad-hoc approach can work for small gifts, but larger or recurring non-cash gifts benefit from a strategy that coordinates:

  • Your income and AGI in each year.
  • Market conditions and asset valuations.
  • Upcoming legal changes, such as possible AGI floors or shifts in deduction rules.

Bunching, Timing, and Market Swings

“Bunching” refers to concentrating several years of charitable giving into one year to exceed the standard deduction and maximize tax benefits. This strategy pairs especially well when you donate stocks, crypto, or property to a nonprofit:

  • In a high-income year, you might donate a large block of appreciated stock or crypto to a DAF, hitting the 30% of AGI cap and carrying forward any excess.
  • In subsequent years, you recommend grants from the DAF to nonprofits you support, even if your income is lower.

Market swings also matter:

  • After a bull market, you may have large unrealized gains in equity or crypto positions. Donating appreciated positions can lock in tax benefits and reduce risk.
  • During market dips, you might prioritize cash gifts or consider tax-loss harvesting separately from your charitable strategy.

By watching both your income and the markets, you can time when to donate stocks, crypto, or property to a nonprofit in ways that align impact with tax efficiency.

Integrating Giving with Estate and Retirement Planning

Non-cash giving also touches estate and retirement planning. When you donate stocks, crypto, or property to a nonprofit, you may also:

  • Reduce the size of your taxable estate by transferring appreciated assets to charity.
  • Use DAFs or charitable trusts to involve children or heirs in grantmaking.
  • Coordinate with retirement accounts, such as using Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from IRAs for cash gifts while using appreciated non-cash assets in taxable accounts for other gifts.

For real estate or business owners, aligning the timing of a sale with a non-cash gift can be especially powerful. Donating an interest before a sale is often more tax-efficient than donating cash after the sale, but the rules are technical and require careful coordination with advisors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When you donate stocks, crypto, or property to a nonprofit, watch out for these frequent errors:

  • Waiting until year-end and missing processing deadlines for transfers or appraisals.
  • Failing to get a qualified appraisal for crypto or property donations over $5,000.
  • Ignoring AGI limits, resulting in deductions you can’t fully use within the carryforward period.
  • Making gifts to organizations that are not qualified charities, so no deduction is available.
  • Donating complex assets to charities that lack capacity to handle them, causing delays or even rejection.

Avoiding these pitfalls helps ensure you get the intended tax benefits and that your favorite nonprofits receive the full value of your gifts.

The Future of Non-Cash Giving: Trends and Predictions

Non-cash giving is no longer a niche used only by ultra-wealthy donors. Recent surveys and reports show that donor-advised funds, crypto philanthropy, and non-cash donations are becoming mainstream tools in modern charitable giving.

Several trends are shaping how people donate stocks, crypto, or property to a nonprofit in the coming years:

  1. Growth of Donor-Advised Funds
    • DAF assets now total well over $160 billion, and DAFs have become a primary vehicle for non-cash contributions, including stock, crypto, and real estate.
    • Expect continued innovation in DAF platforms, making it easier to give complex assets.
  2. Surging Crypto Philanthropy
    • Crypto giving has seen explosive growth, with some reports showing double- and triple-digit percentage increases in crypto donations year-over-year.
    • As more nonprofits accept crypto and as regulation stabilizes, donating crypto will likely become a standard way to donate stocks, crypto, or property to a nonprofit.
  3. Specialized Complex-Asset Charities
    • More organizations specialize in accepting real estate, business interests, and other non-cash assets on behalf of operating charities.
    • This will make it easier for smaller nonprofits to benefit from complex gifts without taking on operational risk.
  4. Potential Tax Law Changes
    • Future changes, such as AGI floors for deductions or adjusted percentage limits, could encourage donors to accelerate large gifts into favorable years and rely even more on appreciated non-cash assets.

Overall, the direction is clear: tools, platforms, and professional guidance are evolving to make it simpler and safer to donate stocks, crypto, or property to a nonprofit as part of everyday charitable and financial planning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is it better to donate stock or cash to a nonprofit?

Answer: Often, yes—donating long-term appreciated stock can be better than donating cash. When you donate stocks, crypto, or property to a nonprofit using appreciated stock, you normally:

  • Avoid capital gains tax on the appreciation.
  • Claim a charitable deduction for the fair market value of the stock (if held more than one year), up to 30% of your AGI.

If you instead sell the stock and donate cash, you’ll owe capital gains tax on the sale and then donate the remaining cash. The combination of avoiding capital gains tax and claiming a deduction for FMV usually makes stock more efficient than cash for appreciated positions you’re willing to give up.

Q2. How do I prove the value when I donate crypto to a nonprofit?

Answer: When you donate crypto:

  • For gifts $500 or less, you usually rely on your own records and the nonprofit’s acknowledgment.
  • For gifts over $500, you must file Form 8283 with your tax return.
  • For gifts where you claim a deduction over $5,000, you must obtain a qualified appraisal of the crypto from a qualified appraiser. The IRS has stated that crypto exchange prices are not a substitute for a qualified appraisal, and you cannot rely on the reasonable-cause exception to avoid this requirement.

If your deduction exceeds $500,000, you must attach the appraisal itself to your return.

Q3. Can every nonprofit accept real estate or complex property?

Answer: No. Many nonprofits lack the staff, expertise, or risk tolerance to accept real estate or other complex property directly. Environmental liabilities, carrying costs, and difficulty selling the property can all be concerns.

If you want to donate stocks, crypto, or property to a nonprofit and your asset is complex, consider:

  • Working with a DAF sponsor or specialized charity that accepts complex assets and then grants cash proceeds to your chosen nonprofit.
  • Exploring charitable trusts or other planned-giving vehicles coordinated with your advisors.

Q4. What forms do I need to file when I donate stocks, crypto, or property?

Answer: The key form for non-cash charitable contributions is Form 8283 (Noncash Charitable Contributions). You must file it if:

  • The total of all non-cash contributions is more than $500.
  • You have an item or group of similar items for which you claim a deduction over $5,000, in which case you typically complete Section B and obtain a qualified appraisal (unless an exception applies, such as some publicly traded stock).

You’ll also need:

  • A contemporaneous written acknowledgment from the charity for gifts of $250 or more.
  • Copies of any qualified appraisals if required, and you must attach them for deductions over $500,000.

Q5. Do I need a tax advisor to donate stocks, crypto, or property to a nonprofit?

Answer: You’re not legally required to hire an advisor, but it’s usually a good idea, especially for:

  • Large gifts relative to your income.
  • Donations of crypto, real estate, or business interests.
  • Situations where you’re combining charitable planning with estate, retirement, or business-sale planning.

A qualified tax professional can help you:

  • Understand AGI limits and carryforwards.
  • Coordinate appraisals and Form 8283.
  • Decide whether to give directly, use a DAF, or use other vehicles.

Given the evolving rules—especially around crypto and potential future changes to deduction limits—professional advice is one of the best investments you can make when you donate stocks, crypto, or property to a nonprofit.

Conclusion

Donating stocks, crypto, or property to a nonprofit lets you do something remarkably powerful: turn appreciated, sometimes illiquid or risky assets into tax-efficient fuel for the causes you care about most.

By focusing on long-term appreciated assets, respecting AGI limits, and following IRS rules on Form 8283, appraisals, and documentation, you can often:

  • Avoid capital gains taxes on significant unrealized gains.
  • Claim meaningful deductions to reduce your taxable income.
  • Simplify your portfolio or balance sheet by shedding concentrated or cumbersome assets.

At the same time, nonprofits benefit from larger, often transformational gifts—stock transfers, crypto donations, and property gifts that can fund programs, endowments, and growth. 

With donor-advised funds, specialized complex-gift charities, and crypto donation platforms all maturing, it’s easier than ever to donate stocks, crypto, or property to a nonprofit in a way that is both user-friendly and optimized for tax efficiency.

Looking ahead, non-cash gifts are likely to become the default for serious donors, not the exception. If you hold appreciated assets and want to align your finances with your values, now is an ideal time to explore how you can donate stocks, crypto, or property to a nonprofit—and turn your balance sheet into lasting impact.