Financial

Assets

Donate stocks, mutual funds, RRSPs, RRIFs, or TFSAs for maximum impact and tax savings.

Gifts of appreciated financial assets are one of the most tax-smart ways to support Alberta Ballet. You can reduce capital gains taxes, unlock more of your investment’s value, and leave a meaningful legacy.

What You Can Give:

  • Publicly traded securities (stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs)
    Donations of publicly traded stocks, mutual funds, and ETFs surged 26% on CanadaHelps in 2023—now a leading tax-smart giving option.

    CRA rules allow donors to avoid capital gains tax when donating eligible publicly traded securities—making the full fair-market value tax-deductible.

  • Registered accounts: RRSPs, RRIFs, TFSAs
    11.3 million Canadians contributed to either an RRSP or TFSA in 2023—a sharp increase in account participation

    Naming charities as beneficiaries on RRSP, RRIF, or TFSA accounts is a simple and increasingly used method to pass on assets tax-efficiently.

  • Private company shares (case-by-case, requires planning)
    High‑net‑worth Canadians, including those with private corporations, are donating company shares—often via donor-advised funds or direct gifts—to maximize tax efficiency, avoid capital gains, and gain charitable receipts.

  • Flow-through shares
    Flow-through shares can turn a tax-smart investment into a powerful donation. By gifting appreciated flow-through shares, you can amplify your impact on Alberta Ballet and reduce your taxes — often more than with any other type of donation.

How You Can Give:

    • Step 1: Contact us for our brokerage details and to complete a simple transfer form.

    • Step 2: Ask your financial advisor to initiate an in-kind transfer of securities to Alberta Ballet’s brokerage account.

    • Step 3: Receive a tax receipt for the full fair market value on the day of transfer.

    You pay no capital gains tax on the appreciated value.

    [Download Alberta Ballet’s Securities Transfer Form]

    • Step 1: Ask your financial institution to name Alberta Ballet as a full or partial beneficiary on your registered account(s).

    • Step 2: Let your advisor or executor know, and notify Alberta Ballet so we can acknowledge your gift.

    • Step 3: Upon death, Alberta Ballet receives the balance, and your estate receives a tax receipt.
      This can significantly reduce or eliminate estate taxes on these accounts.

    Tip: RRSPs and RRIFs are fully taxable in your estate unless directed to a spouse or charity. Naming Alberta Ballet helps offset or eliminate that tax.

    • Step 1: Speak with your accountant and legal advisor.

    • Step 2: Alberta Ballet must review and approve the structure, valuation, and sale process.

    • Step 3: An independent appraisal is required, and advance coordination is essential.

    Note: These gifts require advance planning and must comply with CRA rules.

  • Flow-through shares provide an initial tax deduction when purchased, and when donated, can generate a large charitable tax credit. For many high-income Canadians, this strategy can result in tax savings far greater than the original investment.

    1. Work with an experienced advisor or broker
      Flow-through shares are specialized investments. We recommend working with experts such as PearTree Canada — the country’s leading platform for flow-through share donations — to ensure your gift is structured for maximum tax efficiency.

    2. Calculate your exemption threshold
      Your threshold is generally the originalcost of your flow-through shares minus any capital gains already realized on past flow-through donations since March 22, 2011. Gains above your threshold will be taxable, but your tax receipt may still offset this cost.

    3. Transfer the shares in-kind
      Coordinate with your broker and Alberta Ballet (or PearTree) to donate the shares directly without selling. This ensures you qualify for capital gains exemptions up to your threshold.

    4. Get a qualified appraisal if needed
      An independent appraisal may be required for large donations to confirm fair market value and ensure CRA compliance.

    5. Receive your donation receipt
      Once the shares are transferred, Alberta Ballet will issue a tax receipt for the FMV on the day of donation.

    6. Claim your credits and file your taxes
      Apply your donation tax credit to reduce taxes owed — credits can offset up to 75% of net income in the year of the gift (and unused amounts can carry forward five years).

    Note: You do not need to consult Alberta Ballet to make this donation. PearTree will work directly with you on your gift. Contact them today: peartreecanada.com

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