Charitable Donations: Deduction Tips at Tax Time

Community

How to Properly Deduct Your Charitable Donations

Aside from it being a good deed, making charitable donations is also a great way to lower your tax strain for the year. It is important to follow all the guidelines to successfully deduct donations.

Eligible Charities

  • The first tip the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) says is to make sure you’re giving to a qualified organization in order to make a legitimate tax deduction.
  • Ask the organization for their letter from the IRS.

You can also visit the IRS Exempt Organizations Select Check online search tool to verify the organization’s qualification for tax deductions. Contributions to political organizations, candidates and specific individuals cannot be deducted.

Churches, synagogues, temples and mosques are considered de facto charitable organizations. They aren’t placed on the list but they are eligible to receive deductible donations. The IRS recommends you ask them if you’re unsure at www.irs.gov.

Deduction Tips for Charitable Donations

  • Choose a qualified charity.
  • File form 1040 and itemize deductions on Schedule A.
  • If you received benefits from the organization, you can only deduct the amount that exceeds the fair market value of the benefit received.
  • Section B of form 8283 with a qualified appraisal must be completed for donations of more than $5,000.
  • Make sure to get a receipt.
  • Donations to individuals do not qualify for a tax deduction.

Keep Your Receipts

According, to TurboTax, you must save your receipts in order to back up any charitable contribution of $250 or more. Regardless of the amount, the IRS requires some type of proof that meets their requirements including:

  • Bank record
  • Payroll deduction records
  • Written communication from the organization with date, amount and name

For text message donations, you must also present proof of the contribution. The IRS accepts a telephone bill corresponding to the period in which the donation was made. The bill must show the name of the organization, date and the amount given.

Be Aware of Scams

Signs of charity scams according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) include instances when a charity:

  • Won’t show their IRS letter
  • Asks for cash or wire transfer donations
  • Says “must donate immediately”
  • Doesn’t provide specific information about the organization such as their mission or how the contribution will be utilized

Take Solicitation Precautions

Unfortunately, even when you think you’re doing good, your charitable donations may not actually being going to a reputable organization. Make sure you ask questions of the charity you’re donating to.

  • Ask for detailed information such as the address
  • Research the organization and check for scams
  • Call the charity
  • Save information of your donation
  • Never wire money

If you think you’re a victim of a charity scam, you must file a complaint with the FTC immediately.

To learn more information about deducting charitable donations visit www.irs.gov or our Tax Center page here. If you’re unsure of the process, consult your tax advisor.

You May Also Like

Economic and Financial Literacy Initiatives in Nebraska

Economic and Financial Literacy Initiatives in Nebraska

By Jamie Wagner, Ph.D. Economic Fall April is Financial Literacy Month, and it's important to take a look at what our state is doing to educate youth. Ever since the financial crisis between 2007 and 2009, more and more focus has shifted to financial literacy...

Tax Refund: Receive Your Refund Quickly with These Tips

Tax Refund: Receive Your Refund Quickly with These Tips

Tax Refund Tips When filing your tax return by hand, online or with a tax preparer, make sure you double check your routing and account numbers before signing and submitting your refund. Checking Account If you want your refund directly deposited into your checking...

Spring Clean Your Finances with These Tips

Spring Clean Your Finances with These Tips

Finance Spring Fever Hopefully it's safe to say that spring is finally here. As you clean up the yard and move your winter clothes into the spare bedroom closet and your spring/summer ones into the main closet, it's also a perfect time to spring clean your finances....