Your Business Can Be a World-Changing Resource
Donating Business Interests for Maximum Impact
Godly stewardship is woven into every part of owning a business.
From managing employees to teaching your family about wealth and generosity, and even to the taxes you pay, you have daily opportunities to grow the kingdom of God. Selling your business is an equal opportunity to steward your resources faithfully.
Many business owners planning a business exit also plan to give a portion of the sale proceeds to charity. There is a better way! Giving some or all of your business interest to a donor advised fund before the business is sold could provide significant capital gains tax savings. That means more money free to go towards causes you care about.
At The Signatry, we know what it is like to run and sell a business. We also know that no two businesses are the same. If you are thinking of selling your business in the future, now is the time to start planning. Contact your financial advisor or contact us to discuss the details of your business, your charitable goals, and the best strategies to maximize your generosity.
“Why didn’t my advisors tell me about that?”
Watch Steve’s story on discovering what he missed — and doing something about it.
Put Generosity to Work: Business Gifts and Tax Deductions
Maximize your generosity and minimize your taxes by creating your giving plan early. The tax advantages that may come from donating a business interest mean that more charitable dollars can go to the causes you care about most.
How Does It Work?
Step 1
Before the business sale process begins, donate part or all of your business interest to a donor advised fund with The Signatry. The Signatry takes ownership of the donated asset.
Benefit #1: When you donate the business interest, you may receive a tax deduction for the fair market value of the donated portion.
Step 2
When the business is sold, the portion held in the donor advised fund at The Signatry will be liquidated, and the resulting cash in the fund balance may be granted to charities.
Benefit #2: Your capital gains taxes from the sale may be lower because you have already donated the business interest to The Signatry.
Benefit #3: The Signatry is a 501(c)(3) public charity and may be able to pay a much lower capital gains tax rate on the sale proceeds from the donated asset. This can leave a higher portion of the proceeds available for granting in the donor advised fund.
Want to learn more about donating business interests?
Download a printable summary of how donating a business interest could benefit you and the ministries you support.
Giving Business Interests
Your generosity multiplier could be significant.
Some of our donors find their charitable impact can double (or more!) because of the tax advantages associated with donating business interests.
Every business sale is unique. Your generosity multiplier will depend on a variety of factors, including the gift size, business type, cost basis, and more.
Talk to your financial advisor or someone on our team about the details and potential tax benefits for your unique situation.
Contact UsResources
Guide: 3 Questions to Ask Before Selling Your Business
A lot of thought, reflection, and prayer go into the decision to sell a business. Your faithful commitment to steward this resource for God’s kingdom will shape that decision and the sale process itself. If you are in a season of decision-making, our business sale guide can provide helpful questions for reflection and discussion with your family.
Download Your Business Sale Guide
Forms & Fund Applications
Access The Signatry forms or donor advised fund applications.