Can I donate private stock, real estate, or other alternative assets?

Yes, and for many families these gifts are considerably more tax-efficient than giving cash. Contributing a long-held appreciated asset directly can allow you to deduct its fair market value while generally avoiding the capital gains tax a sale would trigger. These gifts require valuation, careful timing, and a receiving vehicle equipped to accept them, so they should be planned with your tax and estate team well in advance of any transaction.