A charitable contribution can be deducted from your income tax if you itemize deductions on Form 1040, Schedule A. You will want to make sure the organization is qualified before you give a charitable donation. Publication 526 is about Charitable Contributions and it lists some of the qualified organizations but, not all of them. Keep in mind that churches are always qualified but, may not be on the list.

If your charitable donation gives you a benefit like, services, merchandise, admission to a special event, a sporting event, a performing arts show, a banquet or goods, you are only allowed to deduct the amount that goes beyond the normal price of the benefit received.

If you want an Income Tax write off for a charitable donation of cash, check, or other monetary gift, you have to get a receipt from the organization you donated the gift to or keep an accurate bank record. Your documentation must have the date, the name of the organization and the amount of the donation.

You can also donate property. The charitable donation doesnʼt always have to be cash or merchandise. For any contribution of $500 or more, make sure you keep all of the necessary information in your records. Another thing to keep in mind is to write off the charitable donation in the same year you gave the donation. For example, if you donated a used vehicle in the year of 2008 and the charitable organization didnʼt sell it until 2010; you do not wait until they make a profit. You must write it off the year you donate it.

Remember These Important Tips

• Write Off Charitable Deduction the Year You Donated
• Keep Accurate Records
• Get a Receipt From the Organization
• Obtain a Written Description of the Property From the Organization
• Written Documentation Should be on an Official Letterhead
• Information Should Include, Description, Amount, Date and any Benefit

If you have received goods or services in exchange for the gift, be sure to document that also. Donʼt forget to fill out Form 8283 Section A, if your total deduction for all noncash charitable contributions is more than $500.

If youʼre looking for more information Turbo Tax Online will be happy to assist you. Sometimes there are special circumstances or specific questions you may have and want a more detailed description about when you can deduct an IRS Income Tax write off for a charitable donation.