How do I give stock as a gift?
Christopher Ramos
Updated on March 16, 2026
You can start the process online in your own brokerage account by opting to gift shares or securities you own; if you can’t find that option, contact your brokerage firm directly. If you want to gift a stock you don’t already own, you’ll have to purchase it in your account, then transfer it to the recipient.
What is the benefit of gifting stock?
Benefits of Gifting Stock In many cases, it allows the original stock owner to avoid long-term capital gains taxes down the road. Plus, if the person they’re gifting the stock to is in a lower tax bracket and they need to access the funds, they will be able to sell the stock without hefty tax implications.
Can shares be gifted?
The transfer of equity shares offered as gifts happens through an off-market transaction, i.e. between depository and depository participant without involving stock exchange. Shares can be gifted only in the Demat since 1 April 2019. Let us understand the process of transfer of shares for gifting.
Can I gift stock to my daughter?
Yes, you can gift stock directly You don’t mention your daughter’s age, but even if she were a minor, you could open a custodial account for her and make the stock transfer.
Can you gift stock to a family member?
Stocks can be given to a recipient as a gift whereby the recipient benefits from any gains in the stock’s price. Gifting stock from an existing brokerage account involves an electronic transfer of the shares to the recipients’ brokerage account.
Can I gift shares to my daughter?
When you transfer shares to your children, it will generally be considered as a gift for the purposes of inheritance tax. If the transferor (parent) dies within 7 years of making the transfer, the transferee (child) will be liable to pay inheritance tax.
What is the basis of a gifted stock?
The cost basis of stock you received as a gift (“gifted stock”) is determined by the giver’s original cost basis and the fair market value (FMV) of the stock at the time you received the gift. If the FMV when you received the gift was more the original cost basis, use the original cost basis when you sell.
How can I gift stock as a gift?
Gifting stock from an existing brokerage account involves an electronic transfer of the shares to the recipients’ brokerage account. Investors can also buy a single share of a stock from their broker or from companies that specialize in selling single shares.
How is a gift of stock valued for tax purposes?
A gift of stock is valued differently for gift and income tax purposes Gift tax liability is based on fair market value at the time of the gift. Income tax liability (when the recipient sells) is based on both cost basis and holding period.
What’s the limit for gifting stock to a family member?
Gifts of stock can be made in lieu of giving cash. The annual gifting limits of $15,000 per person ($30,000 for a joint gift with your spouse) apply, and the value of the stock on the day of the transfer constitutes the amount of the gift.
Can a stockpile gift card be used for stock?
A Stockpile gift card has a fixed value and is redeemable for stock. It is not a stock or other security, or a recommendation to buy any specific stock or other security. If you redeem a Stockpile gift card for a security, you will receive fractional shares whose value will go up and down with time.