10 Steps to Maximize Tax Deductible Charitable Donation Giving

Charitable contributions are a great way to receive tax deductible donations. They also give your donors a chance to give back. Above all, they allow them to make a real difference in the world. But, are all charitable donations tax deductible?

Donating to a qualified nonprofit benefits those in need while also reducing taxes. However, maximizing charitable donations is no easy task. In this blog post, we’re going to discuss 10 steps your donors can take to increase tax deductible donations and encourage charitable donations.

What are a tax deductible charitable donations?

Tax deductible donations can take various forms. Donors might donate money to a non-profit organization. Alternatively, they could donate property. Another option is donating their time to a cause. These are all known as charitable contributions. Donations also provide benefits, such as tax deductions.

To qualify for a deduction, the donation must serve a charitable purpose. Additionally, the recipient organization must have tax-exempt status. This status is determined by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Are charitable donations tax deductible?

Donors can usually deduct the fair market value of donated property on their taxes. This also applies to the cash value of donations. However, if the charitable donation is part of a quid pro quo transaction, the IRS may limit the claim. Certain types of donations may also have limitations. To get the most from a tax deduction, donors must keep records of all payments. If their donation is $250 or more, the nonprofit organization can provide a statement. Most importantly, make sure the donation qualifies for a tax deduction.

10 Steps to Maximize Your Tax Deduction Charitable Donations

Step 1: Communicate suggested amounts to make a difference on a donor’s taxes

Understanding how much to give to charity for tax benefits involves several steps. First, you need to analyze your financial situation. Next, you should understand the tax laws related to charitable giving. These laws will impact how much your donation can influence your taxes.

Here are the steps for donors to follow:

1. Calculate your standard deduction amount. For 2022, the standard deduction is $12,950 for single taxpayers and married couples filing separately, $19,400 for heads of households, and $25,900 for joint filers. In 2023, the limits increase to $13,850, $20,800, and $27,700, respectively.
2. Determine if your itemized deductions will be greater than the standard deduction. Add up all the deductions you plan to take and compare the total to your standard deduction. If your itemized deductions are greater than the standard deduction for your filing status, you should elect to itemize to reduce your taxes.
3. Decide which non-profit organization you wish to contribute to. Make sure the charity is a 501(c)(3) public charity or private foundation.
4. Donate and keep a record. When you make a donation, be sure to request a receipt from the charity and keep a canceled check or credit card receipt for your records.
5. Determine the value of any benefits you received for your contribution. Subtract the value of any benefits you received for your charitable donation (for example books, tapes, meals, entertainment, and so on) before you deduct it.
6. Be aware of the annual deduction limits for donations to public charities, including donor-advised funds. For contributions of non-cash assets held more than one year, the limit is 30% of your adjusted gross income (AGI). Your deduction limit will be 60% of your AGI for cash gifts.
7. File your tax return. With your paperwork ready, itemize your deductions and file your tax return.

Following these steps can aid in maximizing tax-deductible donations to your charity. This may also help decrease their overall tax bill. However, it is always advisable to consult a tax professional. They can ensure your donation complies with the relevant tax laws for charitable giving.

Step 2: Document your donor’s contributions

Documenting your contributions is essential if they want to claim a charitable deduction on their taxes. To document their contributions, they must follow these steps:

1. Keep track of all donations, regardless of amount. This includes bank statements, credit card statements, receipts from the charity, and canceled checks.
2. For cash or property donations over $250, you must get a written letter of acknowledgment from the charity. This must include the amount of the contribution, whether you received any goods or services in exchange, and a good faith estimate of the value of those services.
3. If you are deducting at least $500 worth of non-cash donations, you must fill out Form 8283 and attach an appraisal of the items if they are worth more than $5,000.
4. For donations made by payroll deduction, you must have documents from your employer showing the amount withheld and a pledge card from the charity stating that they do not provide goods or services for donations made by payroll deduction.
5. For all donations, you must have documents showing the organization’s name, amount donated, and date of the donation. Bank records or receipts from the charity are acceptable forms of documentation.

By following these steps, they can successfully document their charitable donations to qualify for tax deductions. Feel free to share this Infograph with your donors by copying and pasting the embed code below.


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Step 3: Are charitable donations tax deductible?

Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Choose a Qualifying Organization to Receive Your Donation:

1. Ensure that the organization is a 501(c)(3) public charity or private foundation. You can use the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search tool to verify an organization’s tax-exempt status and determine if it qualifies for deductible contributions.
2. If you plan to take a charitable deduction for your donation, make sure that the organization serves a charitable purpose, as outlined by the IRS tax code. Eligible entities include organizations operated exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes; the prevention of cruelty to animals or children; or the development of amateur sports.
3. Donations to nonprofit veterans’ organizations, fraternal lodge groups, cemetery and burial companies, and certain legal corporations qualify, but only if the donations are designated for eligible purposes.
4. For donations to federal, state, or local governments, the gift must be earmarked for public purposes (such as maintaining a public park).
5. Once you’ve chosen an eligible organization, make sure to keep records of your contribution, such as a tax receipt from the charity or a bank record (such as a canceled check or statement).
6. For non-cash donations, you may need to obtain a qualified appraisal to substantiate the value of the deduction you’re claiming.
7. With your paperwork ready, itemize your deductions and file your tax return.

Step 4: Calculate the standard tax deductions available to your donor

Calculating the standard tax deduction from a donation involves several steps. First, you need to evaluate your filing status. Then, compare it with the standard deduction amount for that status. For the 2021 tax year, here are the amounts: Single-filers have a standard deduction of $12,000. Heads of households have a standard deduction of $18,000. Lastly, married couples filing a joint return have a deduction of $24,000.

Once you’ve determined your standard deduction amount, you’ll need to calculate the total itemized deductions you’re eligible to claim. Itemized deductions can include tax payments, medical expenses, and charitable donations. Bunching your charitable contributions with other types of itemized deductions is a strategy that can maximize the tax benefits of your generosity.

If your total itemized deductions are greater than the standard deduction, you should elect to itemize to reduce your taxes. You can claim a charitable donation on your taxes only if you itemize your deductions.

Finally, when filing your return, you’ll reduce your taxable income by subtracting the greater of either the standard deduction or your total itemized deductions.

We suggest you consult your tax advisor on ways to maximize the tax benefit of your charitable contributions.

Step 5: Encourage non-cash donations under $250

In the 2022 and 2023 tax years, taxpayers may only deduct charitable contributions if they itemize deductions on Schedule A and may only claim charitable contribution deductions for cash contributions up to 60% of their adjusted gross income (AGI). The deduction amount reduces for non-cash donations under $250. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 lowered the deduction limit for non-cash donations from 50% of AGI to 30% of AGI.

This means that taxpayers can claim a deduction of up to 30% of their adjusted gross income for non-cash donations under $250, compared to the 60% limit for cash donations. Therefore, taxpayers may find that they benefit less from the deduction for non-cash contributions than for cash contributions, as it reduces the deduction amount.

Step 6: Review the form 8283 guidelines for non-cash contributions

The IRS requires that you fill out Form 8283 to claim a deduction for non-cash charitable contributions if the property has a total aggregate value of more than $500 for the year. To prove a charitable gift, you need to provide information such as what you gave, when, and to whom. For donations valued at over $500 each, you must also provide details such as when and how you acquired the item, its cost or adjusted basis, and more. Depending on the value of the donation, different substantiation requirements must be met.

Donations less than $250 require a receipt from the organization, between $250 and $500 require a “contemporaneous written acknowledgment” from the organization, donations over $500 to $5,000 require a contemporaneous written acknowledgment and filing Form 8283, and donations over $5,000 require a contemporaneous written acknowledgment, a written appraisal of the property, and filing Form 8283. For all donations, keep track of the information you need to prove a charitable gift.

Additionally, for donations worth more than $250, you must get a written letter of acknowledgment from the charity that includes the amount of cash you donated, whether you received anything from the charity in exchange for your donation, and an estimate of the value of any goods or services provided to the donor. For donations worth at least $500, you must also fill out Form 8283 and attach an appraisal of the property if it is worth more than $5,000.

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Step 7: Review the rules for taking a fair market value deduction

If your donor is considering donating private corporation or C-corp shares to your charity, they are eligible to deduct the full fair market value of the contribution if the recipient is a public charity. Most charitable organizations cannot efficiently accept and liquidate such assets, therefore, a professional financial consultant can help. Generally, the donor will not pay capital gains taxes on the stock’s subsequent sale and can deduct the full FMV, as determined by an appraisal. Here are the steps your donor can take:

1. Ensure the non-profit organization is a 501(c)(3) public charity or private foundation.
2. Keep a record of the contribution, such as the tax receipt from the charity.
3. In some instances, obtain a qualified appraisal to substantiate the value of the deduction you’re claiming.
4. Itemize deductions and file your tax return.
5. If the donor receives an economic benefit in return for the gift, calculate the deductible amount by subtracting the fair market value of the benefit from the contribution.

Step 8: Can a donor deduct the full amount?

The answer is no. They cannot deduct the full amount of a donation made to a dinner fundraiser. Their deduction is limited to the amount they paid for the ticket minus the value of the dinner. For example, if the dinner ticket is valued at $500 but the dinner itself is valued at $200, they can only deduct $300 from their taxes. Generally, the deductible amount will be indicated on the ticket, but the charity must also provide them with a written acknowledgement of their contribution that states they paid $500 but received goods or services worth $200.

Furthermore, any other merchandise or services purchased for the fundraiser, such as wrapping paper or magazines, can only be deducted in an amount equal to the difference between their purchase price and fair market value. Money donations made directly to the charity are fully deductible, though donations that include goods or services received in return are not fully deductible.

Step 9: Keep an eye out for changes in charitable deduction limits

The potential changes in charitable deduction limits for 2021 offer an opportunity for charitably inclined individuals and families to maximize their tax benefits. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act gave taxpayers who took the standard deduction in the 2020 tax year the ability to take an above-the-line $300 federal income tax deduction for qualified charitable contributions. This deduction was increased to $600 for 2021 for those who file jointly. In addition, the annual standard deduction amount has more than doubled since passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in December of 2017, which means that some taxpayers who historically itemized deductions may find that their total amount of itemized deductions does not exceed the standard deduction.

Furthermore, annual income tax deduction limits for gifts to public charities, including donor-advised funds, remain at 30% of adjusted gross income (AGI) for contributions of non-cash assets, if held more than one year, and 60% of AGI for contributions of cash. Contribution amounts in excess of these deduction limits may be carried over up to five subsequent tax years. As such, it is beneficial for taxpayers to take advantage of these deduction limits through utilizing both itemized and standard deductions, as well as through key charitable giving incentives in existing tax laws.

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Step 10: Utilize tax planning strategies to maximize your donor’s tax deductible donations

Tax planning strategies can be used to maximize deductions for a tax deductible donation. Here is a step-by-step guide they can follow:

1. Contribute appreciated non-cash assets instead of cash: Donate appreciated non-cash assets held over a year instead of cash. This can eliminate capital gains tax, increasing the amount available for charities by up to 20%.
2. Use a part gift, part sale strategy to offset capital gains tax from investment portfolio rebalancing: Over time, some assets that have gained in value will account for more of a portfolio, while other assets that have declined will account for less. To help offset capital gains tax, try a part gift, part sale strategy to help manage the portfolio.
3. Group charitable contributions with other itemized deductions: Charitable deductions often work best combined with other deductions, such as tax payments and medical expenses. Grouping charitable contributions with these other types of itemized deductions is sometimes called “bunching” and can help maximize the tax benefits of your generosity.
4. Time donations to take advantage of the standard deduction: If possible, time your charitable contributions to take the standard deduction one year, and then itemize deductions the next. This allows you to use the standard deduction one year and then itemize deductions the next.
5. Establish a donor-advised fund: Establishing your own donor-advised fund is another way to maximize your charitable deductions. It’s essentially a savings account for charity. Donations are immediately deductible, and you can distribute from the account at your own pace.

No Charitable Contribution Documentation, No Tax Deductible Donations

Just how picky is the IRS regarding the documentation it needs to substantiate charitable gifts? It turns out pretty picky.

Consider the case of Mr and Mrs Durden. In 2007, the Texas couple made $25,171 in contributions to their church. They had written checks documenting their donations, and the church sent them a written acknowledgment of receipt. But because the gift acknowledgment did not mention whether the Durdens had received any goods or services in exchange for their contributions as required by the IRS, the deduction was not allowed.

The couple then obtained a second receipt dated June 21, 2009, from their church which stated that they had not in fact received any goods or services in exchange for their donations. But, this second attempt was rejected as well. The IRS responded that it failed to meet their “contemporaneous” requirement which states that the letter or receipt must be received by the donor at the time of the donation. (This generally means before the tax return for that year is filed)Ultimately, the Tax Court upheld the IRS’s decision to refuse the deduction.

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Bottom Line

By following these steps and consulting with a tax and financial professional, your nonprofit organization can maximize the tax benefits of your donor’s tax deductible charitable donations and make a significant impact on the lives of those in need.

Your donors and their gifts are the lifeblood of your organization. Return your appreciation of their support by ensuring that you are in full compliance with the IRS. Let us know other ways your organization substantiates donor gifts?

FAQs

What is a tax deductible charitable donation?

A tax-deductible donation is a financial contribution or gift to a qualified non-profit organization. This type of donation not only supports the organization’s cause but also qualifies for a tax deduction, making it beneficial for both parties involved.

Who is eligible to make a tax deductible donation?

Anyone can make a tax-deductible donation. The key is to ensure that the recipient is a qualified non-profit organization with tax-exempt status as determined by the IRS.

What types of organizations can accept tax deductible donations?

Tax-deductible donations can be accepted by various types of non-profit organizations. These include entities focused on religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational causes. Organizations dedicated to preventing cruelty to animals or children, developing amateur sports, or certain legal corporations are also eligible.

How can donors make a tax deductible donation?

You can make a tax deductible donation by contributing money, property, or your time to an eligible non-profit organization. Before making a donation, it’s crucial to verify the organization’s tax-exempt status with the IRS.

How do I claim a tax deduction for a donation?

To claim a tax deduction, you need to itemize your deductions when filing your tax return. Keep detailed records of your contributions, including receipts from the charity and financial statements. Additional forms, such as Form 8283, may be required for donations of a higher value.

What documents do I need to claim a tax deduction?

Claiming a tax deduction requires documentation like receipts from the charity, bank statements, canceled checks, or credit card receipts. For donations over $250, a written acknowledgment letter from the charity is mandatory. Non-cash donations over $500 require Form 8283 and an appraisal of the donated property.

What are the limits on claiming a tax deduction for a donation?

The limit on tax deductions depends on the type of donation and the donor’s Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). Cash donations to public charities are generally limited to 60% of AGI. For non-cash donations, the limit is usually 30% of AGI if the assets have been held for over a year. Other limits may apply based on specific donation types or organizations.

Are there any special rules for making tax deductible donations?

Yes, there are special rules to consider. You must verify the organization’s tax-exempt status, keep detailed documentation of your contributions, and understand the limits on deductions based on your AGI and the type of donation. We recommend consulting a tax professional for personalized guidance on making tax-deductible donations.

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