Charitable Contributions-Part One
by Charlie Clarr

Beware! Many people may be inclined to directly help a particular family affected by the tragedy. For example, some may be making contributions directly to the family of a fellow employee or friend killed in the attacks. God bless you for doing this but such contributions are not deductible.

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Since the New York and Washington terrorist attacks, Americans have been generous not only with their love but also their money.

As is appropriate, most people have given little, if any, thought to the tax consequences of their generosity. In fact, knowing about the rules related to charitable giving may help you be more generous right now than you otherwise might be.

Under current law, charitable contributions are deductible only if you itemize deductions (Schedule A) in your tax return. If you use the standard deduction, then you don't receive any tax benefit.

Congress, however, may provide a limited charitable deduction for those of you who don't itemize. In fact, the House has already passed such a bill. More on this as it develops.

If you do itemize, the amount of your contribution that is deductible depends on the type of donation you make and to whom the gift is made.

For cash contributions, putting some cash in the collection basket at church or writing a large check to some type of relief organization are generally fully deductible, assuming you itemize.

But beware! Many people may be inclined to directly help a particular family affected by the tragedy. For example, some may be making contributions directly to the family of a fellow employee or friend killed in the attacks. God bless you for doing this but such contributions are not deductible.

Only donations made to 'qualified' charitable organizations are eligible for a deduction. Most non-profit groups need IRS approval to be qualified to receive tax deductible donations. This is necessary for you to deduct your cash gifts.

The IRS is speeding up the processing of requests for tax exempt status for new charities formed to assist relief efforts. Make sure that newly formed groups have received such IRS approval before you give.

To verify whether a particular organization is qualified to accept tax-deductible contributions, you can check IRS Publication 78,'Cumulative List of Organizations'. A very good searchable online version of this publication can be found at: http://www.irs.gov/bus_info/eo/eosearch.html

Next week, more on the deductibility of other kinds of contributions, like property and investments and time spent volunteering.

Until then, God Bless America!

As always, PLEASE make sure you read and understand the fine print. It wouldn't be taxes in America otherwise!

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Copyright 2001 by Charlie Clar