Tax benefits of charitable donations explained

Making a charitable donation this holiday season is not only an opportunity to give back to those in need, but it is also a great way for taxpayers to make a last-minute tax deduction that will lower their tax bill.

"The holidays are a wonderful time to make donations that will have an impact on the lives of those in our local community," said Venar Ayar of Ayar Law Group. "But taxpayers should not forget that those donations can be tax deductions as long as they are giving to an organization that qualifies for a charitable contribution deduction."

Charitable donations can only be valid deductions on a tax return if they are given to a qualified organization. Most charities do qualify for the contribution deduction, but taxpayers can ask to see the organization's letter from the IRS or search online to ensure they are donating to a qualified charitable organization.

Taxpayers should always receive receipts for any donation in case of a future audit. The receipt must include the date, the amount and the name of the organization that received the donation. It is also important to keep detailed records of all donations in case it is necessary to justify their value.

Monetary donations are not the only type of charitable gifts that can be deducted from tax returns. Another option people have is to donate property that has appreciated in value, such as stocks. By doing this, not only can the fair market value of the donation be deducted, but the capital gains tax can also be avoided.

On the other hand, time is not considered a donation. Therefore, when taxpayers volunteer their services for a charitable organization, it is not considered tax deductible by the IRS.

In order to claim a contribution deduction, the deductions must be itemized on tax returns. Charitable donations are deductible during the year in which they are paid, so all gifts must be given by Dec. 31 to count during the current tax year.

The holiday season is an excellent time to make charitable donations, but it is important to remember that a tax deduction isn't guaranteed. These tips will help taxpayers follow rules set by the IRS and make sure donations count on tax returns. Any questions or concerns about charitable contribution deductions should be directed towards a qualified tax professional.

The Ayar Law Group specializes in helping individuals and businesses solve their tax problems. Its Michigan tax attorneys serve all of metro Detroit and the greater Southeastern Michigan area. Its narrowly-focused tax resolution practice gives us the specialized knowledge and experience we need to fully understand the nature of, and best possible solutions to, each and every individual and business tax problem. For additional information, visit www.ayarlawgroup.com.

Published: Thu, Dec 10, 2015