Why can't I donate my short-term capital gains?

Donating shares with short-term capital gains has a lower tax benefit than donating shares with long-term gains. It’s typically better to wait to donate shares until they have been held for more than a year so that you can maximize your potential tax benefit. Because of this, we only allow customers to donate shares with long-term gains.

Betterment is not a tax advisor, and the information provided here should not be construed as tax advice. It should only be used for informational purposes. Please consult a qualified tax professional and refer to IRS Publication 526 and IRS Form 8283 to determine the rules that apply to your individual tax situation.