Donating To Public Charities To Lower Your Tax Burden

Publié par Unknown on lundi 20 novembre 2017

By Brian Wood


As the end of the year approaches, many people and business owners start to prepare for next year's tax season. They realize that they might owe a sizable debt to the government. They want to come up with ways to save money and claim deductions on their returns. Many decide that it would be a good idea to donate to some of the public charities in their areas. You can use this tactic and get a legal deduction for your taxes by learning how to identify legitimate charitable organizations.

These organizations are permitted to extend this opportunity to you thanks to their 501 (c) (3) licensing. This license comes directly from the federal government and establishes the group as one that is tax-exempt and non-profit. It also means that anyone who donates to it gets a receipt that will allow them to claim some or all of the amount when they file their tax returns. This exemption is taken off your tax debt or refunded in cash.

People are advised to make sure the groups they plan to give money or funds to have this licensing. When they donate anyway to for-profit groups, people cannot get the deduction. If they try, the IRS will deny them and possibly audit their returns. They will have to prove that they were not trying to scam the government or get more money back on their taxes

If it does have the licensing, it can give you a receipt of your donation, which you can then use to claim the deduction on the return. The receipt will tell you how much you donated, what the value of the asset was, on what date you made the contribution, and to what organization it was made. The IRS might ask that you turn in this document with the return.

Most organizations that want to solicit donations will make an effort to remain in good standing with the community. They might sponsor events, attend venues in the area, and advertise the need for contributions around the holiday season. Any organization that is reluctant to be a part of the community may not be worth your time or money.

Even so, you might simply want to make the process of donating as straightforward as possible. You may realize that the government allows tax-exempt status to most churches, temples, and other religious entities. You could contribute to your church, get proof of it at the end of the year, and claim the deduction without fear of an audit.

To claim an exemption, it typically has to be $500 or more per year. Donations under that amount are not generally eligible to claim on taxes. Your gift is appreciated but not enough to lower your tax burden.

If you anticipate a costly tax bill, you may find that now is the time to start using opportunities to lower that amount. You could get full or partial credit for every dollar you give to charities that serve the public in your area. These organizations have to be licensed as non-profit and likewise are obligated to give receipts you can then use to get credit on your returns.




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