Dumb tax question. Are AA meetings contributions tax deductible?

Question

Okay, no doubt stupid, and I have no receipts, but go to probably three AA meetings a week, and they are non-profit, right? I'm just scrabbling for honest deductions. The known standard voluntary contribution per meeting is $1, which I always give. What's the verdict?

Answer 1

Several state supreme courts have ruled that the 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous constitues religious practice and bars the court system from ordering people guilty of alcohol related crimes to attend. You may then deduct your donations to A.A. just as you may deduct tithes to a church.

Answer 2

For donations to an organization to be deductible, the organization must have a specific designation from the IRS. I looked on the AA website and didn't see any mention of their having this, so the donations probably are not. Besides, their website says that the "pass the basket" donations are to pay for hall rental, donuts, coffee etc - if you're getting something for a donation, then it's not deductible anyway.

Not a dumb question, but the answer is probably no.

You could ask the meeting leader at the next meeting.

Answer 3

The verdict is probably not. Unless you have written proof of the contributions. You may be able to deduct mileage if you are itemizing medical costs. You can use mileage for any medical expences like Dr. visits and Pharmacy trips. Things like that. The mileage rate is different than for business though. Your tax preparer will know.

Answer 4

Alcoholics Anonymous Donations

Answer 5

A donation to a charity or non profit org is tax deductive. Maybe you can have someone there write a receipt for you.

Answer 6

I take AA into a prison 50 miles away. I am claiming my mileage to and from this commitment, as well as the coffee, cups, filters, I bring so the inmates can have coffee.