Gift valuation guidelines are established in current tax regulations. In general, a contribution's value is based on the type of asset donated and date of contribution, which ordinarily is the date when the assets are delivered to the receiving nonprofit organization.
Under IRS regulations, the donor is responsible for determining the valuation date and corresponding fair market value.
The following chart details how valuation and deductibility can shift based on the type of asset you donated.
| Contribution type | Valuation | Deduction | % of AGI donor can deduct |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash or cash equivalents | Amount of the check, electronic bank transfer, or wire received by Vanguard Charitable | Amount of donation | Up to 60% of AGI |
| Mutual fund shares | Closing price (net asset value) on the date on which the donor loses control of the donated shares, multiplied by the number of shares donated | If owned for more than 1 year: Fair market value on the valuation date
If owned for 1 year or less: Cost basis or current fair market value, whichever is lower | Up to 30% of AGI (if valued at fair market value)* Up to 50% of AGI (if valued at the lesser of the cost basis or fair market value) |
| Stock or bond shares | Average of the high and low selling prices on the date of contribution, multiplied by the number of units donated | If owned for more than 1 year: Fair market value on the valuation date
If owned for 1 year or less: Cost basis or current fair market value, whichever is lower | Up to 30% of AGI (if valued at fair market value)* Up to 50% of AGI (if valued at the lesser of the cost basis or fair market value) |