My name is Mark Goodfield. Welcome to The Blunt Bean Counter ™, a blog that shares my thoughts on income taxes, finance and the psychology of money. I am a Chartered Professional Accountant. This blog is meant for everyone, but in particular for high net worth individuals and owners of private corporations. My posts are blunt, opinionated and even have a twist of humour/sarcasm. You've been warned. Please note the blog posts are time sensitive and subject to changes in legislation or law.

Friday, February 15, 2013

Tax Tweets of the Day for the Week Ending February 15, 2013

My Twitter tax tips for this week are listed below. My twitter handle is @bluntbeancountr. Most tips have a direct link, thus, I have little commentary this week.

Tips for Week of February 11 - February 15, 2013


If you sold collectibles in 2012; coins, stamps, china, they may not be taxable if proceeds are <$1,000. http://bit.ly/Y0cc0K  #blunttaxtip

If you have capital loss carryforwards, consider a flow through http://bit.ly/VLxgXs for 2013 to reduce taxes. #blunttaxtip

Did you know that safety deposit box fees are tax deductible? #blunttaxtip

Do you have unrealized capital losses & your spouse unrealized cap gains? Transfer your losses in 2013. http://bit.ly/RSGpgk
#blunttaxtip

Instead of cash #donations, consider donating public securities with capital gains. There is no tax on the gain. #blunttaxtip

Note: If you had a stock worth $1,000 with an adjusted cost base of $200 and sold the stock; at the highest marginal tax rate, you would have after-tax proceeds of approximately $815 ($1,000 less $185 tax). If you donated the $815, you would save approximately $380 in taxes from the donation assuming you had already made $200 in other donations, resulting in net tax savings of $195 ($380 less $185 tax).

However, if you donated the shares directly, the charity would receive $1,000 instead of $815 and you would save approximately $465 in taxes.

The blogs posted on The Blunt Bean Counter provide information of a general nature. These posts should not be considered specific advice; as each reader's personal financial situation is unique and fact specific. Please contact a professional advisor prior to implementing or acting upon any of the information contained in one of the blogs.

4 comments:

  1. If I decided to donate half the amount shown in your example, what would the ACB be for the remaining shares?

    Or to ask that another way, when calculating ACB, is a donation of securities treated like a regular sell?

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Erick:

      Yes, the trade is treated like a regular sell, however, the capital gain on the donated shares is exempt. Thus, for the 1/2 not sold, the ACB is $100.

      Delete
  2. A surprisingly large number of charities are set up to accept stock donations, too. It's also a good way to avoid having to calculate an ACB if, say, Great-Auntie did dividend reinvesting for years and didn't keep any records!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Bet, charities that are not set up are making big mistakes. Often these type donations are very large, at least from what I see in my practice.

      Interesting point about Great Auntie, that is a huge issue and a great way to void it.

      Delete