Charitable Giving Tax Deductions to Know for Strategic Philanthropy

Understanding charitable giving tax deductions is key to maximizing the impact of your donations. These deductions not only support your favorite causes but also provide significant tax benefits, making strategic philanthropy a smart choice for both donors and charities.

1. Cash donations to qualified charitable organizations

   • Donations must be made to IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations to qualify for tax deductions.
   • Donors can deduct up to 60% of their adjusted gross income (AGI) for cash contributions.
   • Documentation, such as receipts or bank statements, is required for contributions over $250.

2. Donations of property or goods

   • Donors can deduct the fair market value of donated items, such as clothing or household goods.
   • Non-cash donations over $500 require Form 8283 to be filed with the tax return.
   • Special rules apply for donations of appreciated property, which may allow for a deduction of the fair market value.

3. Volunteer expenses

   • While the value of time spent volunteering is not deductible, out-of-pocket expenses incurred while volunteering can be.
   • Eligible expenses include supplies, travel costs, and uniforms required for the volunteer work.
   • Receipts and documentation are necessary to substantiate these expenses.

4. Charitable mileage deduction

   • Volunteers can deduct mileage driven for charitable purposes at the standard mileage rate set by the IRS.
   • The deduction applies only to travel directly related to charitable activities, not personal travel.
   • Accurate records of mileage, including dates and purpose of trips, must be maintained.

5. Payroll deductions for charity

   • Employees can choose to have a portion of their paycheck automatically donated to a charity through payroll deduction.
   • These contributions are typically pre-tax, reducing the employee's taxable income.
   • Employers may offer matching contributions, enhancing the impact of employee donations.

6. Carryover deductions

   • If a donor's charitable contributions exceed the AGI limits, they can carry over the excess to future tax years.
   • Carryover deductions can be claimed for up to five years following the year of the original contribution.
   • Proper documentation and tracking of carryover amounts are essential for future claims.

7. Qualified charitable distributions from IRAs

   • Individuals aged 70½ or older can make tax-free distributions directly from their IRAs to qualified charities.
   • These distributions can count toward the required minimum distribution (RMD) for the year.
   • The maximum annual exclusion is $100,000, and it can help reduce taxable income.

8. Donor-advised funds

   • Donor-advised funds (DAFs) allow donors to make a charitable contribution, receive an immediate tax deduction, and recommend grants over time.
   • Contributions to DAFs are irrevocable and must be used for charitable purposes.
   • DAFs provide flexibility in timing and amount of grants to charities.

9. Charitable remainder trusts

   • Charitable remainder trusts (CRTs) allow donors to receive income from the trust for a specified period, with the remainder going to charity.
   • Donors receive a charitable deduction based on the present value of the charity's remainder interest.
   • CRTs can provide tax benefits while allowing for income generation during the donor's lifetime.

10. Limitations on charitable deductions

• The IRS imposes limits on the amount of charitable contributions that can be deducted based on AGI, typically ranging from 20% to 60%.
• Certain types of contributions, such as those to private foundations, may have lower deduction limits.
• Donors must be aware of these limitations to maximize their tax benefits from charitable giving.