Evaluate Your Year-End Tax Position

As the year-end approaches, now is the perfect time to reflect on the causes that matter to you. If your income is higher than expected or you sold investments that gained value, making a gift before December 31 could reduce your taxes while also supporting the Oregon Institute of Technology. Consult with your advisors to determine the best approach for your specific situation.

2025 Standard Deduction Levels

Filing status Amount:

  • Single $15,000
  • Head of Household $22,500
  • Married Filing Jointly $30,000

If your potential itemized deductions (charitable gifts, mortgage interest, state/local taxes subject to limits, etc.) are close to the stated standard deduction thresholds listed above, consider a “bunching” strategy. This would include making a larger charitable gift this year, so you itemize in 2025, then taking the standard deduction next year.

 

Give Appreciated Securities Held Greater Than One Year

Donating long-term appreciated publicly traded stock or mutual fund shares can be a win-win. You may deduct the fair market value of the shares (subject to certain income limits) and avoid capital gain on the appreciation. If you hold securities that are down in value, consider selling to harvest the capital loss and then distribute the cash proceeds.

Timing tip: For year-end purposes, a stock gift is complete when shares are received in Oregon Institute of Technology’s brokerage account—not when you instruct the transfer. Please begin transfers well before December 31.

Typical documentation for non-cash gifts includes: Your receipt will reflect the date we received the asset and a description of the property. You and your tax preparer will handle valuations and any required IRS forms.

 

 

Use Your IRA: Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)

If you are age 70½ or older, you may make direct transfers from your IRA to public charities (called qualified charitable distributions, or QCDs). QCDs can satisfy part or all of your required minimum distribution (RMD) if you are age 73 or older, and they typically do not count as taxable income.

Key 2025 figures:

  • Up to $108,000 per individual may be transferred via QCDs in 2025. Spouses with their own IRAs may each give up to this amount.
  • You can make a one-time, inflation-indexed election of up to $54,000 to fund a Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA) or a Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT) from your IRA. Payments to you and/or your spouse will be taxable as ordinary income. This one-time election counts toward your annual $108,000 QCD limit.

QCD reminders:

  • QCDs must move directly from your IRA to the Oregon Institute of Technology.
  • QCDs cannot be made to donor-advised funds (DAF), most private foundations, or supporting organizations.
  • You cannot claim a tax deduction for a QCD because the tax benefit comes in a different form. The amount is excluded from your taxable income entirely, rather than included in income and then deducted.

Consider Other Non-Cash Gifts

  • Closely held business interests, real estate, or restricted stock are powerful gifts.
  • Cryptocurrency can also be donated—offering tax benefits similar to gifts of stock.

Know Your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) Limits & Paperwork Requirements

  • Cash gifts to public charities: You can generally deduct up to 60% of AGI.
  • Long-term appreciated property: You can generally deduct 30% of AGI; special rules apply to certain property.
  • Carryforward: You may carry forward unused deductions for up to five years.
  • Receipts & forms: For gifts of $250+, you may keep the written acknowledgment we issue. For most non-cash gifts over $500, you or your preparer will file Form 8283; additional appraisals/signatures may be required at higher amounts

 

A Simple Year-End Giving Checklist

  • Confirm your giving goals and tax position for 2025.
  • Identify appreciated securities held more than one year.
  • If eligible, decide whether to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution or a Qualified Charitable Distribution-for-Charitable Gift Annuity election this year.
  • Start any non-cash transfers early; contact us at (541) 885-1130 for instructions.
  • Gather receipts and, if needed, engage a qualified appraiser for non-cash gifts
  • Consider a multi-year pledge funded with assets.

Year-End Deadlines

  • Checks by mail: Count for 2025 if postmarked by December 31
  • Credit/debit card gifts: Count in 2025 if the charge posts to your account by December 31. Click here to give.
  • Securities: Gift is complete when received in our account. Please initiate early.
  • QCDs: Must be received by December 31 to count for 2025.
  • DAF contributions: A contribution to your DAF by December 31 is deductible this year; grants from your DAF do not create a new deduction.
  • Employer matches: Verify match request deadlines, which may precede year-end
  • Mailing Address: Oregon Tech Foundation 3201 Campus Drive Klamath Falls, OR 97601
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Oregon Tech Foundation

Mailing Address:

Oregon Tech Foundation
3201 Campus Drive
Klamath Falls, OR 97601

Office Location:

735 Commercial Street
Klamath Falls, OR 97601

541.885.1130
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We are here to help! If you would like to discuss any of these giving options with a member of our team, please feel free to call us at (541) 885.1130 or email us at university.development@oit.edu.