Submitted By: Aldo
Answered: November 9, 2015 11:39 am

Can I make a contribution to my granddaughter’s 529 college savings account with stock I own?

Only cash contributions (e.g., checks, credit card charges) are acceptable in 529 plans. You’ll have to sell the stock and donate the proceeds. If the stock has appreciated, you’ll owe capital gains tax on your profits; if the value has declined, you’ll be able to take a tax loss.

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Tax Glossary

Section 1231 property

Depreciable property used in a trade or business and held for more than a year. All Section 1231 gains and losses are netted; a net gain is treated as capital gain, a net loss as an ordinary loss.

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