Gift valuation and reporting
The value of your contribution is based on two things: The asset type and the date received. Gift valuation guidelines are set by current tax regulations. The IRS regulations state that you (as the donor) are responsible for determining the valuation date and the corresponding fair market value.
The chart below shows how different giving tools can influence both valuation and deductibility.
| Contribution type | Valuation | Deduction | % of adjusted gross income (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)1 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)1 Up to 50% of AGI (if valued at the lesser of the cost basis or fair market value) |