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What Can I Give?
 
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Photo: Architectural Spire (Photo by Harvard News Office)Cash and Credit Card Gifts:
If you make a cash or credit card gift, you will be eligible for a deduction for the full value of your gift. You can utilize this deduction for up to 50 percent of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) and carry forward any unused portion for up to five additional tax years.
Outright gift: Online Giving Form
Planned gift: Contact University Planned Giving

Securities:
If you gift stocks or bonds you have owned for at least one year, you will be eligible for a deduction for the full mean market value of the security on the date that Harvard receives it. You can utilize this deduction for up to 30 percent of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) and carry forward any unused portion for up to five additional tax years.
Outright gift: Online Giving From
Planned gift: Contact University Planned Giving

Real Estate Gifts:
A gift of real estate can be an attractive way to make a substantial commitment to Harvard and simultaneously realize important tax and income benefits. You can gift either all or a percentage of the property. You may be able to significantly reduce the amount of income, capital gain, and estate taxes you otherwise might have to pay. You also may be able to earn an income from your gift.

There are many types of real estate suitable for a gift to Harvard: personal residence, vacation property, commercial property, building lot, undeveloped land, farm or ranch, etc.
Contact University Planned Giving

Art and Other Tangible Personal Property:
Property such as works of art, antiques, stamps, coins, and jewelry may be subject to estate taxes. Should you wish to donate this type of property during your lifetime, you may reduce your tax liability.

If your gift of tangible property is directly related to Harvard’s mission, you may take an income tax deduction for the full fair market value of the property as determined by an independent qualified appraisal.

If the gift is for an unrelated use, your deduction is based on the cost basis of the property.

Quite often, you can use tangible personal property with an unrelated use to fund a Harvard-managed life income arrangement, turning a non-income producing asset into an income-producing asset. Generally, there is no income tax deduction available.
Contact University Planned Giving

Life Insurance:
There are a variety of ways to use your life insurance for a substantial gift to Harvard. Depending on the type of policy you donate, you may receive an upfront income tax deduction, and any future premium payments may also be tax-deductible.
Contact University Planned Giving

 

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