Donating to charity is a noble and worthwhile thing to do. In addition to supporting causes and organizations you care about, donating to charity can benefit you come tax season. How do charitable donations impact taxes? In short, charitable donations can reduce your taxable income which reduces the amount you owe the IRS.
In this article we will provide you with valuable information about charity and taxes. We will explain how charitable donations and tax deductions work, requirements for tax deductible donations, how to claim charitable donations on your tax return, and more so you can maximize your charitable giving while reducing your taxes. We will also discuss Donor Advised Funds—special accounts for charitable giving–how DAFs work, and the tax benefits of DAFs.
Charitable Donations and Tax Deductions
Giving money to charity can save you money, but how? Many charitable donations can be claimed as tax deductions. Tax deductions are specific expenses that the IRS allows you to subtract from your taxable income, effectively reducing the amount you are taxed on and therefore lowering your tax bill. For example, if your taxable income is $60,000 and you donate $5,000 to charity, you’ll only pay taxes on $55,000.
Are all charitable donations tax deductible?
No, but most are! To be tax deductible, donations must be made to a qualified charity or organization based on IRS guidelines. There are also rules about what types of donations are tax deductible.
What organizations qualify for tax deductible donations?
- 501©(3) organizations—charitable organizations with tax-exempt status from the IRS
- Religious organizations—churches, mosques, synagogues, temples, etc.
- Federal, state, or local governments only if your donation is solely for public purposes—example: a donation to maintain a public park
- Non-profit hospitals and medical research organizations
- Utility company emergency energy programs
- War veterans’ organizations
- Non-profit schools
- Volunteer fire departments
If you’re unsure if an organization or charity qualifies for tax-deductible donations, you can find out using the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search tool.
Types of Tax-Deductible Donations
What types of donations are tax deductible? Most people know that cash donations are tax-deductible, but there are several other tax-deductible ways to support charitable organizations!
- Cash donations: check, credit card, or electronic transfer
- Property donations such as clothing, furniture, vehicles, books, and electronics are tax deductible. The deduction amount is based on the fair market value of the items which must be determined by the donator.
- Real-estate donations: Deduction amount determined by the property’s fair market value. Donating property also eliminates your obligation to pay capital gains tax on appreciated property.
- Securities donations: Mutual funds, bonds, and stocks are accepted by some charitable organizations and can be deducted for fair market value on the date of the donation.
Is there a Limit on Charitable Contribution Deductions?
Yes, there are limits to charitable contribution deductions. Limits on charitable contribution deductions are based on the taxpayer’s Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). AGI is your gross income minus adjustments you’re eligible to take. It’s a complicated system with plenty of exceptions, but the general rules for limits on charitable contribution deductions are as follows. The maximum tax deduction amount for cash donations is 60% of the taxpayer’s AGI as of 2024. Tax deductions for property donations are capped at 50% of the taxpayer’s AGI. You can take a tax deduction up to 30% of your AGI for long-term appreciated assets such as real estate and securities (stocks, bonds, etc.).
How to Claim Charitable Donations on your Tax Return
Now that you understand the potential tax benefits of donating to charity, it’s time to discuss what you need to do to receive your charitable contribution deductions. Follow these tips and steps to claim charitable donations on your tax return.
- Collect Proof of Charitable Contributions
To receive a tax deduction for charitable contributions, you’ll have to provide proof of your donations to the IRS. The requirements vary based on the type of charitable donation and the amount/value. Refer to this IRS publication titled Charitable Contributions—Substantiation and Disclosure Requirements to guide you.
- Determine Whether to Itemize Deductions or Take the Standard Deduction
As a taxpayer you must choose between taking the standard deduction or itemized deduction. The standard deduction is a fixed amount based on your filing status while itemized deduction is the sum of all the expenses you can deduct from your taxable income. You can only claim charitable contributions for tax deductions if you choose the itemized deduction. To determine which route is more beneficial to you, calculate your itemized deduction and compare it to your standard deduction. Use this guide to itemized deductions to assist you.
- File Tax Forms to Claim Charitable Contributions as Tax Deductions
If your itemized deductions exceed the standard deduction, you’ll need to fill out Schedule A (Form 1040) to file your itemized deduction with the IRS. For non-cash charitable contributions over $500, fill out Form 8283.
For full details on how to claim charitable contributions as tax deductions, refer to this article from the IRS.
Donor-Advised Funds (DAF)
A Donor-Advised Fund is a private account used for philanthropic giving that offers both tax benefits and flexibility. A DAF is a popular vehicle for charitable giving that allows families, individuals, and/or organizations to contribute money and assets, grow them tax-free, and recommend grants to charities over time. Let’s take a closer look at how a Donor-Advised Fund works and the benefits of a DAF.
How does a DAF work?
Donor-Advised Funds are sponsored and managed by tax-exempt charities referred to as “sponsoring organizations”.
- Contributions: Donors contribute assets (cash, securities, property, etc.) to a DAF. Donations to the DAF are tax-deductible for the year they were contributed.
- Investment: Assets in the DAF are invested by the sponsoring organization and can grow tax-free.
- Grants: Donors recommend charities to receive grants from the DAF. While the sponsoring organization considers the donors’ recommendations, they ultimately decide which charities receive grants and then make them on the donors’ behalf.
Benefits of a Donor-Advised Fund
What are the benefits of a DAF?
Tax Benefits of a DAF
- Immediate Tax Deduction: Donors can claim a tax deduction for cash contributions and for the fair market value of any assets contributed to the DAF each year.
- Avoid Capital Gains Tax: If you donate appreciated assets, like stocks and bonds, to a donor-advised fund, you can deduct the fair market value from your taxable income and avoid paying capital gains tax.
- Estate Planning: DAFs can be used in your estate planning strategy. Donating assets throughout your lifetime reduces your taxable estate which ultimately reduces the tax burden for heirs of your estate.
Flexibility & Control
- Strategic & Timely Giving: Donors can contribute to a DAF at their convenience and support charities over time.
- Personalized Philanthropy: DAFs provide flexibility to support a wide range of charitable causes and organizations that align with the donor’s interests and values.
- Simplified Philanthropy: The sponsoring organization handles administrative tasks, investment management, and grantmaking.
Make a Greater Impact
- Tax-Free Growth: Assets and funds in a DAF can grow tax-free which enables increased charitable giving over time.
- Collaborative Philanthropy: Multiple parties can contribute to a DAF, so people with common values or shared passions for specific causes can work together and have a greater impact.
Build a Charitable Legacy
- Continue your Legacy: The funds you contribute to a DAF can continue to grow and make a difference even after your lifetime.
- A Family Legacy of Giving: A family DAF can span generations, create a culture of giving within your family, and create a philanthropic family legacy you can be proud of.
Take Control of your Taxes, Finances, and Philanthropic Goals with Lawhorn CPA Group
Maximize your charitable giving, lower your taxes, and reach your financial goals with Lawhorn CPA Group, LLC. Our tax planning team can analyze your situation to identify savings opportunities, create personalized tax strategies, and coach you in ways to support charitable causes while minimizing your tax burden. Financial advising can help you reach your personal financial goals so you can take your philanthropic goals to new heights! Charitable donations and tax benefits can be complicated. With the help of Lawhorn CPA, you can save money and support the causes you care about.
Contact Lawhorn CPA today to take control of your taxes, finances, and philanthropic goals.