Retained Life Estate is another option for a gift of real estate. A donor makes a gift of a personal residence to the Arizona Elk Society and retains the right to live in the home for life. Making a gift of property while retaining a life estate provides the donor with a charitable income tax deduction based on the value of the property, the age of the donor and his/her life expectancy. For a gift of appreciated property, a donor may take a charitable income tax deduction for up to 30% of the donor’s adjusted gross income.
To substantiate the value of the property, the donor must obtain an appraisal from an independent qualified appraiser. The cost of the appraisal is borne by the donor and is a miscellaneous tax deduction. The donor is responsible for maintenance costs, insurance and real estate taxes.

Gifts of Appreciated Stock is an easy and tax-effective way to make a gift to AES. You can avoid paying capital gains tax on the sale of appreciated stock and receive a charitable income tax deduction. The value of a charitable gift of stock is determined by taking the mean between the high and low stock price on the date of the gift. Mutual fund shares are valued using the closing price for the fund on the date of the gift. You can make a gift of stock by transferring stocks or bonds electronically from your brokerage or investment account to Arizona Elk Society.
Or, if you hold securities in certificate form, you will need to mail two envelopes separately to complete your gift. In the first envelope, place the unsigned stock certificate(s). In the second envelope, include a signed stock power for each certificate. You may obtain the form from your broker or bank. Remember to use certified mail.