In December of each year, Eleanor Young contributes 10% of her gross income to the United Way (a 50% organization). Eleanor, who is in the 24% marginal tax bracket, is considering the following alternatives for satisfying the contribution. (1) Cash donation (2) Unimproved land held for six years ($18,510 basis) (3) Blue Corporation stock held for eight months ($18,510 basis) Fair Market Value $123,400 $123,400 $123,400 $123,400 (4) Gold Corporation stock held for two years ($148,080 basis) Eleanor has asked you to help her decide which of the potential contributions listed above will be most advantageous tax-wise. Evaluate the four alternatives and complete a letter to Eleanor. Determine the amount of the charitable contribution for each option. Cash donation Unimproved land held for six years ($18,510 basis) Blue Corporation stock held for eight months ($18,510 basis) Gold Corporation stock held for two years ($148,080 basis) Charitable Contribution Dear Ms. Young: I have evaluated the proposed alternatives for your current year-end contribution to the United Way. I recommend that you sell the Gold Corporation stock and donate the proceeds to the United Way. The four alternatives are discussed below. A donation of cash, the unimproved land, or the Gold stock will result in a s Donation of the Blue Corporation stock will result in only a s charitable contribution deduction. charitable contribution deduction. decision from a tax perspective in that the deductible and the amount of the charitable contribution would be s If A direct contribution of the Gold Corporation stock will be a decline in value ( you sell the Gold stock and give the proceeds to United Way, the donation of the proceeds will result in a $ charitable contribution deduction. In addition, sale of the stock will result in a s have capital gains of s long-term capital loss. If you or more this year, you can use the entire loss in computing your current taxable income. If you have no capital gains this year, you can deduct s of the capital loss this year and carry over the remaining loss to future years. You should make the donation in time for ownership to change hands before the end of the year. Therefore, I recommend that you notify your broker immediately so that there will be no problem in completing the donation on a timely basis. Please let me know if you have any questions or would like to discuss my recommendation and the related analysis. Thank you for consulting our firm on this matter. We look forward to serving you in the future. Sincerely, Nora Oldham, CPA