Account
Get our app
Account Start free trial Log in

Don't risk a tax mistake

Focus on what you do best—we’ll take care of the rest. Get expert tax filing tailored to your needs with Rocket Tax.

Don't risk a tax mistake

Get started

If you itemize income tax deductions on Schedule A (Form 1040), you may deduct your charitable donations. Keep in mind that not every non-profit organization is a tax-qualified charitable organization. Be sure to ask the organization whether your contribution is tax-deductible or check with the IRS. You'll want to keep good records of all your donations. Remember, you can deduct cash donations and donations of property, but you can't deduct the value of donated time and services.

  • Money Donations — Receipts are required for all monetary donations.
  • Item Donations — Give new or used goods to charity and deduct their fair market value. Special rules apply to donations of vehicles and to donations of appreciated property (property that is worth more than you paid for it).
  • Volunteering — Deduct 14¢ per mile while driving for charity. You can also deduct other out-of-pocket expenses.

If you contribute to a charity and receive something in return, such as dinner, then your charitable deduction is the amount you paid or the value of the property you donated minus the value of the goods or services received. But you don't have to reduce your deduction if you get a small item or another benefit of token value that the charity deems unsubstantial. In that case, you can deduct the entire amount you contributed.

The deduction for charitable contributions generally is limited to 50% of your adjusted gross income (AGI). The deduction for appreciated property is limited to 30% of your AGI if you choose to deduct the fair market value of the property or 50% if you choose to deduct the basis of the property.

This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Rocket Lawyer is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.


Ask a Legal Pro

Our Legal Pros are here for you.
Characters remaining: 600
Meet our featured Legal Pros

Try Rocket Lawyer FREE for 7 days

Get trusted legal help at a price that works for you. Your free 7-day trial includes:

Unlimited documents & signatures
Personalize, RocketSign®, and share any legal document you need

Business filings made simple
Start your business, stay compliant, and protect your ideas — all in one place

Ask a Legal Pro
Get answers to your legal questions or have your documents reviewed by a Legal Pro

Retain a Legal Pro
Get personalized help for more complex legal matters

Member-only savings
Enjoy exclusive discounts for Legal Pro services and partner offers

Legal help, anywhere
Use our free app to get legal support whenever and wherever you need it