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Saturday 18 November 2017

Donating To Public Charities To Lower Your Tax Burden

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.

To qualify for this type of exemption as a donor, you are limited to giving money or assets to groups that have a 501 (c) (3) license. This license can only be obtained from the IRS. It requires the group to file documents and provide proof of their legitimacy before the IRS will extend this licensing to them. It also means that the group can give credit to people who donate money or assets to it.

If you give money or physical assets to the organization without asking for proof of the license, you risk not being able to claim the exemption on your tax return. When you add it to your return, you more than likely will be denied the credit, and the IRS may audit you. You will then have to explain that you made a donation to an organization that was not 501 (c) (3) licensed.

When you file taxes, you have the chance to put down the amount that you donated to the 501 (c) (3) licensed group. Depending on your filing status and other factors, you might need to provide proof the actual receipt from the charity. The receipt will tell the IRS how much you gave, on what date, and the name of the charity that received your contribution.

Many of these organizations especially the ones that are in most need of funds will make it a priority to get involved with the community. The leaders know that this exposure will bring attention to their cause and entice people to give cash and other contributions. The ones that shy away from the center of attention risk not getting donations at all.

To bypass this research, many people simply choose to donate to their churches or religious houses. The government allows most religious organizations tax-free charitable status. You could give money and legitimately claim the exemption when you prepare your returns next year. The IRS will accept that donation as long as it meets or exceeds the monetary limit.

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.

Lowering your taxes might be your main priority as you get ready for the upcoming tax season. You do not want to owe the government a debt you cannot pay. To lower what you owe and also give much needed cash or assets, you could donate to charities that serve the public. It may be important for you to know what ones can offer you that deduction.




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