Method used to value common stock donations

[JCS52]

Why does TurboTax show the valuation method for common stock donations made from purchased securities as "Comparable Sales", but common stock donations from inherited securities as "average price"?

[AmyC]

Tax rules. Purchased stock is based on comparable sales or FMV. Inherited securities have a step up basis usually. The average price method is to help simplify things.

We comply with IRS rules regarding how to determine the fair market value of donated securities based on their acquisition method (purchase vs. inheritance).

[JCS52]

Thank you for responding, AmyC.  I didn't word my question very well.  As you know, Treasury Regulation 20-2031.2 outlines how donated securities are to be valued in determining the "fair value" deduction used on the tax return.  In the case of common stock, the deduction is the average of the high and low trading price on the date of the donation...regardless of how the security was acquired...purchased or inherited.

So, my question is why TurboTax shows a different valuation method on Form 8283 (Noncash Charitable Contributions) for purchased and inherited common stock.  For example, TurboTax uses the phrase "Comparative Sales" for donated purchased common stock and "Average Share" for donated inherited common stock.  Of these two descriptions it seems to me that "Average Share" most closely describes the proper method.

Please advise.  Many thanks.

[DavidD66]

TurboTax provides a list of the choices for all types of donated non-cash property for the donation of inherited stock, which includes both Average Share and Comparative Sales.  For stock you donated that wasn't inherited, TurboTax does not ask a method, just "Value on Date of Donation". 

[JCS52]

I apologize for not being clear in my question.

Please look at Form 8283 (Noncash Charitable Contributions), Section A, line 1(i).  Why does TurboTax  show "Average Share" for purchased stock that is donated and "Comparative Sales" for inherited stock that is donated?  I fully understand how fair value is calculated.  My question is why does TurboTax show valuation different methods on Section A, line 1(i) of Form 8283 when the exact same method of calculating fair value is used to determine the donation amount?  Perhaps I should call someone at TurboTax to discuss.  If so, please provide me a phone number to call.  Thank you very much.

[IsabellaG]

You can contact TurboTax Support here.