Can I donate appreciated employer stock to charity to cut my taxes?

Yes – donating appreciated company shares you've held more than a year is one of the most tax-efficient moves available. If you give the stock directly to a qualified charity or a donor-advised fund, you generally deduct the full fair market value and avoid the capital gains tax you'd owe if you sold first, a double benefit. For employees sitting on heavily appreciated, concentrated RSU or option shares, this trims both your tax bill and your concentration risk at once. Make sure the shares are long-term (held over a year past vesting or exercise) so you can deduct full value rather than just basis. The deduction for appreciated stock is limited to 30% of your adjusted gross income, with a five-year carryforward for any excess. Pick your most-appreciated lots to maximize the benefit.