going to donate the items to Goodwill but I decided she needed them more. My husband got mad because we did not receive a "receipt" for the donated items for tax purposes. Can we still consider the items that I gave her as tax deductable donations even though I did not get a "receipt"? I was giving out of my own heart and someone that was in need and not thinking of tax purposes.
2007-08-07 07:20:02 · 6 answers · asked by empowered2008 3 in Business & Finance ➔ Taxes ➔ United States
I agree to that I did get more satisfaction seeeing her get excited and being very appreciative. Unfortunately, my husband cared more about that tax deduction.
2007-08-07 07:27:23 · update #1
Sorry, but donations to an individual are not deductible as a charitable donation. But it was the "right" thing to do. Thumbs up for you, and thumbs down for hubby.
2007-08-07 07:28:04 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you can take a charitable donation for those things, just as you can for Salvation Army and others. You don't need a receipt for example, for tossing $5.00 in the collection plate, or a buck you spent on a "Streetwise". There is a ceiling on what you can donate without having a receipt, but it is something like $250. If you made a large donation to my favorite charity (the Buddy Foundation-animal rescue) which is a 501c charity, then you would need a receipt, but if you, like most of us, put out a plastic bag filled with used clothing you only need to estimate the cost for the irs, and you're only taxed if it's over the limit or looks "funny". Go to irs.com and look at the forms for donations. Bless you. The IRS is really only after large amounts of money, and cheaters, not the few dollars you might share with someone needy.
2007-08-13 22:43:50 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It wouldn't matter if she gave you a receipt. Donations to an individual do not qualify for any deduction. Only deductions made to registered charities qualify.
Of course, you get the warm fuzzy for helping someone out directly and seeing their appreciation. That's usually worth a lot more than the $20 or so you might have saved on your taxes don't you think?
(Sorry that you're stuck with such a tightwad.)
2007-08-07 14:24:46 · answer #3 · answered by Bostonian In MO 7 · 6⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately, you can not claim this as a tax deduction, even if you had a receipt. Charitable contribution deductions can only be claimed if given to a bona fide charitable organization that is on file with the IRS.
2007-08-15 13:42:06 · answer #4 · answered by rick2rio 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Items given to an individual rather than a 501(c)3 charity are not deductible, whether you had a receipt or not.
Your husband needs to lighten up.
2007-08-07 16:11:31 · answer #5 · answered by Judy 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You have to give to an approved charity or 501c(3) - You did the right thing, however, you will not be able to deduct from your taxes.
2007-08-07 14:24:30 · answer #6 · answered by Casey J 2 · 7⤊ 0⤋