Understanding Charity Tax Deductions: What You Need to Know

May 23, 2024 | 7 min read Financial Assistance

The old saying goes that it’s better to give than to receive. If you aren’t convinced, studies have shown that helping others can make you happier and may help improve your health. And another bonus? Doing good can reduce your tax bill with a charity tax deduction when it’s time to write a check to Uncle Sam.

If you’re interested in donating to a good cause while also reaping the tax benefits of giving, it’s essential to understand the tax rules. This article explains the most important aspects of charitable donations tax deduction. So how do charity tax deductions work?

What are the tax benefits of giving to charity?

The tax benefits of donating to charity are simple: Deducting charitable donations from your taxes may reduce the amount of money you’ll owe to the federal government come April 15th, depending on your individual tax situation.

The IRS allows individuals to deduct charitable contributions up to 50% of their adjusted gross income. For example, contributions to certain types of organizations, including private foundations, veterans groups, fraternal societies, and cemetery organizations, are subject to a limit of 30% of adjusted gross income. Celebrities and the super-wealthy often take advantage of these high limits and donate vast chunks of money to nonprofits. But even if you’re not donating billions of dollars like Bill Gates, a specific charity tax deduction might still help reduce your tax burden.

How do charity tax deductions work?

If you’ve ever heard someone say “you can write that off,” they were likely referring to tax deductions. A few of the most common deductions are student loan interest, business expenses, home mortgage interest, and donations to charities.

How do I claim a deduction for charitable donations?

Here are the main steps to claim a deduction for charitable donations:

If donating directly to a charity, make sure it is a legally registered 501(c)(3) Certified Charity. To be absolutely certain, you can always check an organization’s status on the IRS website.
Itemize deductions when filing your taxes. You can only claim charitable deductions on your tax return if you itemize deductions.
On your tax return, you can claim a charity tax deduction for charitable giving on Schedule A (Form 1040).

How do you know if contributions are tax deductible or not?

Before donating to a charity, ensure it is a qualified charitable organization if you intend to claim a tax deduction. Use the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search tool to verify the charity’s eligibility. Contributing to charitable causes that matter to you while taking advantage of the tax benefits of donating to charity is a win-win for everyone.

What type of donations are tax-deductible?

You might be surprised by some of the ways you can claim charitable donations on your taxes. Below are some general rules about which donations are considered deductible and which aren’t, according to the IRS.

Types of charitable contributions that are deductible

Donations to religious organizations
Donations to federal, state, and local governments
Donations to war veterans’ groups
Donations to nonprofit schools and hospitals
Expenses incurred from a student living with you
Volunteer expenses
Payroll deductions to charities through your employer

Types of charitable contributions that are not deductible

Donations to foreign organizations
Donations to political parties, action committees, or fundraisers
Gifts donated to individuals
Donations to foreign governments
Donations to for-profit schools or hospitals
Donations to social and sports clubs
Donations to labor unions
Donations to homeowners’ associations

Different types of charitable donations have their own set of tax rules. Luckily, the IRS provides a comprehensive guide on charitable contributions to help you navigate any uncharted tax territory and still take advantage of the tax benefits of giving.

What about online fundraising and charitable tax deductions?

In the age of crowdfunding, it has never been easier to support your favorite charity. Technology has changed the way people all over the world help others. Lending a digital hand to those in need is now effortless, and finding the best charities to donate to takes no time.

The top charity fundraising sites have done an incredible job of simplifying the giving process for donors and organizers alike. Fundraising platforms now issue tax-deductible receipts for donations to certified charity fundraisers. They also allow donors to track their donations in one place easily—whether on a donor dashboard or through Instagram and TikTok with real-time updates.

Keep in mind that if you are donating to a personal GoFundMe fundraiser, versus one hosted by a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, your donation may not be tax-deductible. Generally, donations made to a personal GoFundMe fundraiser are considered personal gifts and may not be tax-deductible.

Only donations made to GoFundMe charity fundraisers are guaranteed to be eligible for tax deduction in the US, UK, Canada, Ireland, and Australia. Our charity partner, PayPal Giving Fund, will automatically issue tax receipts for such donations—not GoFundMe.

5 charitable donations tax deduction tips you should know

Now, if you want to make the most of your charitable contributions, you’ll want to keep these charity tax deduction rules in mind.

1. Time your donation correctly

Donations are only deductible in the year that they’re made. This means that you must make donations by December 31st to count and you cannot carry them over. Checks can’t be dated for the following year. Here’s how to find charities near you.

2. Note any personal benefits and incentives

Normally an eligible donation is 100% tax deductible with a few exceptions. If you receive any incentives or personal benefits from your donation, the IRS requires you to subtract that cost from the amount you plan on claiming as a charitable donation. For example, if you receive tickets to an event valued at $25 for your donation of $200 to an organization, you could only claim $175 as a charitable donation on your taxes.

3. Always ask for receipts

It’s important to get a receipt as proof of your contribution when making non-cash donations. The receipt should state the amount of the donation, the date, and the name of the organization you donated to. For cash donations of $250 or more, you will need a receipt to support your contributions. For donations made to tax-deductible charities on GoFundMe, you will automatically receive a receipt.

4. Consider working with a tax professional

Tax laws can change on a yearly basis and everyone’s situation is different, so we recommend working with a tax professional before following any of the advice outlined in this guide. They will help you itemize your charity tax deductions on your return. A tax professional will ensure you’re adhering to tax laws, and they’ll be able to help you maximize the tax benefits of donating to charity.

5. Find the right charity to support your cause

Need help finding a charity to donate to? Start your search using these blog posts:

Give back to an online charity fundraiser right now

Thousands of people have used GoFundMe to give back to causes they care about. Through our platform, individuals can quickly donate to certified charities and become part of an online community of people who share similar passions.

Discover charity fundraisers on GoFundMe, then make a tax-deductible contribution to your favorite 501(c)(3). If you’d like to make an even bigger impact, give back with charity fundraising by starting your very own crowdfunding fundraiser. Sign up now and start making a difference for those in need.

Start a charity fundraiser