End of Year Charitable Giving Tips
5 Easy Tips to Simplify Your Year End Charitable Giving
Can you believe that another year is almost finished? As we approach the end of the year, do you plan to make charitable donations before the end of the year? Do you want to know some charitable gift giving tips? If so, read on to learn some helpful information.
The IRS reminds us that you must itemize deductions on your tax return to claim a deduction for these gifts. Additionally, the following five tips can help make those year-end charitable gifts count.
Tip #1: Give to a Qualified Charity
Did you know that you can only deduct gifts to a “qualified charity” on your income tax return? The IRS offers a handy website, the Select Check tool, to determine whether your favorite organizations are qualified. So be sure and check out their list before making a donation.
Is your charity of choice not listed in the Select Check database? Don’t fret. You can also deduct donations made to churches, synagogues, temples, mosques, and government agencies.
Tip #2: Give Some Cash
Do you have cash to spare? Then you are in luck. Gifts of money can be made by check, electronic funds transfer, credit card, or payroll deduction.
In order to be able to deduct a monetary gift on your tax return, you must have payment proof. What kind of proof do you need? Well, a bank record (cancelled check, bank statement, credit card statement) or written document from the charity (listing the organization’s name and date and amount given), regardless of the dollar amount donated counts. For payroll deductions, keep your pay stub(s), W-2, or other document from your employer which shows the total amount withheld along with the pledge card showing the name of the charity.
Tip #4: Give Some Stuff
Short on cash? No worries. You can give away your “stuff.” You can take a tax deduction by giving away your gently used stuff, including household items (furniture, furnishings, electronics, appliances, linens) and clothing (shirts, blouses, pants, skirts, shorts, shoes). If possible, get a receipt from the charity which includes the organization’s name, date of the contribution, and a detailed description of your donated items. If you leave your stuff at an unattended drop site, make a written record of the donation.
Tip #4: Give Before the End of the Year
Did you forget to make a donation this year? Don’t worry, you still have time. Just donate by December 31, 2022. Donations are deductible on your tax return in the year they are made. Gift checks count on your 2022 income tax return as long as they are postmarked in 2022. Likewise, credit card donations charged before the end of 2022 still count this year even if you do not pay the bill until 2023.
Tip #5: Keep Good Records
Always keep accurate records of charitable gifts you make. List the date of the contribution, a detailed description of the donation, the name and address of the organization, the fair market value of the property at the time of the donation, and the method used to determine the value. You must obtain an acknowledgment from the organization if a donation (either cash or stuff) is valued at $250 or more. If the donation consists of an automobile, boat or airplane, special rules apply which can be found on the IRS website.
Have Questions About Deducting Charitable Gifts?
If you have questions about making deductible charitable donations, please call our office to arrange for a convenient time for us to speak.
