Donations to Non-Profits

QUESTION:

Dear Taxman – I donate money to different non-profit organizations. Every year my Tax Preparer deducts some but not all of them. I thought donations to all non-profit groups were tax deducible.

ANSWER:

Dear Reader – Non-profit groups don’t pay income taxes on money you give them. That does not mean you get a tax deduction. You can only get a tax deduction for donations to a charity, or fire company.

Many worthy causes are not charities. Thus gifts to civic groups, school groups, police groups etc. may not be deductible. Ask the recipient for something in writing that indicates they are an IRS recognized charity.


“Ask The Taxman” originally appeared as a column in The Brunswick Citizen. All responses are written by Jim George, CPA. If you have a question for a CPA, contact us!

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