Joseph Thompson is president and sole shareholder of Jay Corporation. In December 2013, Joe asks your advice regarding a charitable contribution he plans to have the corporation make to the University of Maine, a qualified public charity. Joe is considering the following alternatives as charitable contributions in December 2013:
Fair Market Value
(1) Cash donation..........................................................................$200,000
(2) Unimproved land held for six years ($110,000 basis)..............................200,000
(3) Maize Corporation stock held for eight months ($140,000 basis)...............200,000
(4) Brown Corporation stock held for nine years ($360,000 basis)..................200,000
Joe has asked you to help him decide which of these potential contributions will be most advantageous taxwise. Jay's taxable income is $3.5 million before considering the contribution. Rank the four alternatives, and write a letter to Joe communicating your advice. The corporation's address is 1442 Main Street, Freeport, ME 04032.