Stocks and bonds are not the only forms of appreciated property that receive favorable tax treatment when they are donated to Washington National Opera. The IRS also allows donors of appreciated real estate, and business interests to contribute them and receive a deduction based on their full market value. These gifts do raise more tax and acceptance issues than contributions of publicly-traded securities, and we ask our friends who may be considering such a gift to contact our office first.

Gifts of Real Estate

Washington National Operais happy to consider gifts of both residential and commercial real estate. We gratefully review each offer in conjunction with our management team and Board of Trustees to evaluate the condition and marketability of the property.

Real estate may be given to us outright, or be used to fund a life-income gift such as a Charitable Trust. It may also be transferred through a part-sale/part-gift arrangement (a charitable bargain sale).

Gifts of Business Interests

You can give the Opera investment partnership shares or closely-held stock, as an outright transfer or to fund a life-income gift. Such a gift should be carefully reviewed by your legal and tax counsel first, and we will also assess it before we proceed.

Gifts of jewelry may be used to fund a life income gift. You must secure an appraisal of the pieces, conducted by an independent appraiser who was not originally involved in selling the pieces to you. We can assist you in following IRS-required procedures for this appraisal.

Thoughtful gift planning ensures maximum benefits for you and for the Opera. For additional information on planning your gift or for an individualized illustration, provided confidentially, please contact:

Washington National Opera
Steve I. Schneider, Esq., Director of Planned Giving
2600 Virginia Avenue NW, Suite 301
Washington , DC 20037
202-295-2418 | Fax: 202-295-2479
E-mail: sschneider@dc-opera.org

(Back to All Gifts-at-a-Glance)

The type of gift you make determines your tax benefits, and tax laws frequently change. You should consult your own legal and tax advisors regarding planned gifts to Washington National Opera.