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What is a Charitable Organization?

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On December 22, 2017, The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law. The information in this article predates the tax reform legislation and may not apply to tax returns starting in the 2018 tax year. You may wish to speak to your tax advisor about the latest tax law. This publication is provided for your convenience and does not constitute legal advice. This publication is protected by copyright.

What is a Charitable Organization?
Money or property that you donate to "qualified" charitable organizations can be included in your itemized deductions as a charitable contribution. But what is a "qualified" charity? The IRS provides an on-line search for qualified organizations.

A qualified charitable organization will fall into one of the following categories:
  • Churches, synagogues, temples, mosques, and other religious organizations. 

  • Federal, state, and local governments, if your contribution is solely for public purposes. This generally includes local government, public schools, Indian tribal government, and governments of U.S. Possessions.

  • Nonprofit schools and hospitals. 

  • Nonprofit volunteer fire companies, public parks and recreation facilities, and civil defense organizations.

  • Organizations organized and operated for charitable purposes, such as the Salvation Army, Red Cross, Goodwill Industries, United Way, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, March of Dimes, etc.

  • Certain organizations that foster national or international amateur sports competition.

  • War veterans' organizations, including posts, auxiliaries, trusts, or foundations organized in the United States or any of its possessions.

  • Domestic fraternal societies, orders, and associations operating under the lodge system.

  • Certain Canadian and Mexican charities allowed by treaty - however, generally to deduct your contribution you must have income from sources within the country.

If you have questions regarding a specific charity or charitable contribution, please feel free to inquire with this office.

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