Category: tax deductions

If you have been donating to charity you should let the tax agencies know, and avail the charitable tax deduction that becomes legitimately due to you. Your contributions to charitable organizations can add up to a sizeable deduction if you itemize them on IRS Form 1040, Schedule A.

But before you make the donations you must carry out a few checks. You must remember that only donations made to organizations that are recognized by tax agencies are eligible for tax deduction. You can refer to Publication 78 brought out by the IRS that lists all such organizations. This list is available online and in several public libraries too.

You cannot get tax benefits on donations to individuals, political organizations or political leaders nor can you claim benefits for spending time raising money for organizations by holding raffles, bingo or any game of chance.

Taxpayers who want to benefit from such a donation need to keep the following points in mind:

– Verify the eligibility of the organization: The charitable trust must be a qualified one for the contribution to get the tax benefit. A good place to do so is from Publication 78 which is available online and in public libraries.
 
– Itemize the deductions for your advantage:  In order to avail of deductions for your car donation, you need to itemize your deductions. Those who claim standard education can t benefit from this clause.

– Estimate the fair market value: There are various factors that must be considered in order to determine the value of your car. Many used-car buying guides will give you precise instructions so that you can make adjustments to the value of a car for accessories, mileage and other indicators of its general condition.

– Deduct the fair market value of the car: You are only allowed to deduct the fair market value of your car, which accurately takes into consideration the condition of the donated vehicle. You are not allowed to claim the full value of the car, as some people mistakenly believe.

– File the Charitable Contribution Deduction:  When donating your vehicle and claiming tax deduction, record keeping is essential. You must document all the receipts and forms related to the car donation and its fair market value.

Taxpayers who have any doubts about whether a contribution is deductible should call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040, or for TTY/TDD help, call 1-800-829-4059. If you are concerned that contributions are being sought for deceitful purposes, you should immediately contact the appropriate state charity official, who is often located in the state attorney general’s office.