Deducting Charitable Donations: What You Need to Know
Nov 04, 2014
The end of the year will be here before we know it and if you are like most taxpayers, you will be scrambling for some last minute tax deductions. A taxpayer can itemize and deduct such items as medical expenses, state & local taxes, real estate taxes, mortgage interest and charitable contributions. While some of those items are added back if you are subject to alternative minimum tax (AMT) or as in the case of medical expenses, they are only deductible if they exceed 10% of income (7.5% for ages 65 and older); charitable contributions are not affected by these restrictions.
Come year-end, some taxpayers frantically search for additional deductions. However, charitable organizations can use these donations all year around. So I’m sure the question you’re asking is, “do all donations qualify?” Here are a few general rules that you need to follow if you want your donation to qualify on your Schedule A of your Form 1040.
Cash Donations: • Donations must be made to a qualified organization. Click here to check to see if your organization qualifies. • Most donations are deductible up to 50% of adjusted gross income (in some cases 20% and 30% ceilings). • For all cash donations over $250, the taxpayer needs to keep a record of a receipt or cancelled check with the donation amount, date and qualified organization.
Non-Cash Donations: • As with cash donations, non-cash donations also need a written acknowledgement of the donation for all donations over $250. If the donation is between $500 and $5,000, additional records for cost basis, acquisition date, and fair market value will be needed. Donations over $5,000, along with the information mentioned above, may need an appraisal. • Non-cash donations over $500 need to be reported on the Form 8283 • You can donate used clothing and household items, but they have to be in good condition or better. Those items count as a donation up to the current fair market value and not the cost of the item
Nondeductible Donations: • Donations made to an individual are never deductible • Donations to foreign charitable organizations are not considered to be a qualified organization • Any donations made to a political campaign are not considered to be a deductible charitable contribution • Any donations where you are provided benefit over your donation, is not deductible • If you donate more than the value of the benefit, you can deduct the difference as a charitable contribution.
There are more specific rules based on different types of charitable contributions, so be sure to consult your tax advisor with any detailed questions you may have regarding your donation.
By: Jill Blakeman, CPA
Categories: Uncategorized