This last answer is closer to what is needed but is still not sufficient. First, if I enter the gift as a security then the donation does not populate form 8283, which it should. If I enter it as a publicly traded stock (and it is publicly traded, like a stock), then the donation does appear in form 8283. In neither case, however, is there then a way to explain how the deduction that I am claiming was determined (i.e., value of the mutual funds - anticipated value of benefits to be paid to me = charitable deduction that I can claim. Form 8283 says "If you need more space, attach a document.) I think that is what I will do because I can then explain how I arrived at the numbers I've entered into the TT form. which then appear in form 8283.
