Planned and Endowed Gifts

Gifts of Appreciated Property

For tax purposes, property that has appreciated in value is often a better asset than cash for you to give to the Metropolitan Opera.

Such Assets Include:

• Securities (stocks and bonds)
• Closely held company stock
• Tangible personal property (jewelry, works of art, musical instruments and other valuable assets)

You may give the property to the Met outright, or indirectly through a life-income arrangement that enables you to make your gift and receive an income for life. A gift of appreciated property is often an intelligent alternative to selling the asset yourself and paying tax on the gain. In effect, the capital gains tax savings allows you to make a generous gift to the Met at lower “cost” than if you gave cash.

Your property gifts to the Met are deductible on your income tax return. The amount of your deduction varies depending on the kind of property you contribute. A direct gift to the Met is often deductible at the asset's full fair market value, depending on the type of asset given. There are significant exceptions for gifts of tangible personal property, depending on whether the Met is able to use these assets.

Indirect gifts through life income plans are also often partially deductible, but additional exceptions apply under the tax laws. It is important to talk with your tax advisors about the tax consequences of any gift you are considering. Our Planned Giving staff also will be glad to assist you.

For more information or confidential help in planning your gift of appreciated property to support the future of the Metropolitan Opera, please complete this form or contact our Planned Giving office directly. Our experienced tax and estate planning staff can provide you with individual assistance and gift planning information, without obligation.

Office of Planned Giving
The Metropolitan Opera
30 Lincoln Center
New York, New York 10023
Telephone 212-870-7388
E-mail EncoreSociety@mail.metopera.org