Not only can you deduct the fair market value of what you give from your income taxes, you can also minimize capital gains tax of up to 20 percent.
Charitable contributions or donations can help taxpayers to lower their taxable income via a tax deduction. To claim a tax-deductible donation, you must itemize on your taxes. The amount of charitable donations you can deduct may range from 20% to 60% of your AGI.
If you give property to a qualified organization, you can generally deduct the fair market value (FMV) of the property at the time of the contribution.
Determining the value of donated property de- pends upon many factors. You should consider all the facts and circumstances connected with the property, including any recent transactions, in determining value. Value may also be based on desirability, use, condition, scarcity, and mar- ket demand for that property.
Donated Assets—Land, buildings, equipment and library holdings received as a gift will be capitalized at the fair market or appraised value at the time of the gift.