Better yet if giving to a charity, gift them stock (must of been held at least 1 year) directly vs selling stock and giving cash. You get a contribution deduction for value of stock on date of gift up to 30% of taxable income with a carryover of excess. Thus you save 20% capital gains tax on appreciation of the stock. You must however, reduce your stock cost on the stock gifted. But gifting stock with say a value of $10 per share removes a cost of say $.02 per share for a long- in UNVC BIG DEAL! Research it! GLTA to longs and give generously to your favorite Charitable Organizations when we hit this Big!