Of course, a good deed is indeed its own reward. But as a bonus, you should know that tax benefits are in store for those who give. With the holiday season around the corner, now is a great time to donate to causes that matter most to you. And while getting a boost on your tax return is probably not your primary incentive for giving, knowing how—and when—to make your donation can make a difference when tax time rolls around after the New Year.
In simple terms, a gift to a qualified charitable organization could entitle you to a deduction against your income tax, but you must itemize your donations to take the deduction; that is, if your donations aren’t greater than the standard deduction, it would be more beneficial to take the standard deduction. So do the math and see if the itemized charitable deduction is worth your time.
When should I donate?
The timing of your donation matters in terms of how you do your taxes. The rule is simple enough: a contribution is deductive in the year in which it is made. So, if you’re in a charitable mood during the holiday season, you might want to consider when you make your donation. If you want it to count toward your 2024 taxes, you should make the donation around Thanksgiving or Christmas. If you want your contribution to go towards your taxes for next year, then hold off until 2025.
What about clothing donations?
I recently decided to clean out my closets and found so much stuff - clothes, some still with tags on them, CD players, books, and electronic gadgets - that I hadn't used in years. I packed them up and went to my local Goodwill store to drop it off. The experience was quick and simple, and decluttering and knowing that my stuff went to a good cause felt extra positive. So, if you're in the mood to declutter, I encourage you to gather up some of your used clothing or home goods and donate them as part of a clothing drive or other act of do-goodery. I do recommend that you take the time to itemize and document the items properly, which might include taking some pictures of your donation. Don’t forget to grab a receipt from the organization to which you donated; you will need to include it in your tax return.
What about volunteering?
Although no tax deduction is allowed for the value of the services performed as a volunteer, some deductions are permitted for well documented out-of-pocket costs incurred while volunteering at a charity but figuring out what costs are deductible or not can be a bit wonky. If you do plan to deduct costs for volunteering, we recommend discussing the what's and how's with a tax professional. We would add that some companies do provide matching gifts for employees who volunteer at qualified charitable organizations and offers a great way to increase your giving and impacts to the charity.
Do I need a receipt for a cash donation?
Cash donations also require a receipt to verify their legitimacy. Even dropping a bit of spare change into a collection bucket can be deducted from your taxes. The IRS requires charities to provide donors with a written acknowledgment for charitable donations over $250, but even if you make a donation less than $250 and intend to itemize it on your taxes, it’s perfectly acceptable to ask for a receipt or a written acknowledgment of your donation. Note that the acknowledgement should include the date of donation, donation amount, the charity's Employer Identification Number (EIN), and a statement stating you received nothing in return for your gift.
Who can I give a tax-deductible charitable contribution to?
If taxes are on your mind while you donate, remember that charitable contributions only count for deductions if they go toward a qualified recipient. Gifts to individuals do not count on tax deductions but don’t let that hold you back from any donations you wish to make to someone in need. Consider consulting a tax adviser for additional information regarding charitable donations and deductions.
We would also encourage considering giving to community-based charities located near where you live. Local charities depend on the generosity of their communities and in return, the communities often depend on the support of local charities. You also get the added benefit of seeing your donation at work.
We know that the choice to donate is a personal one, and we commend anyone who donates their money, "stuff", time, or effort to charity. Even though it is likely that obtaining a tax deduction isn't your primary incentive for generosity, acts of charity hold significance regardless of the season or timing. As Aesop wrote in the fable, the Lion and the Mouse, "No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted."
So, whether you choose to give now or later, we encourage you to give wholeheartedly and experience the satisfaction that comes with it.
(to be continued)
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