During the leisure-driven summer season, people should still want to increase their charitable giving. Not only is this a noble enterprise, but it also benefits the taxpayer during tax season. There are many avenues of giving that can earn a tax deduction for the average person.
For instance, children’s summer camps provide fun and safe day care to many needy kids. They rely on donations to help parents with summer time care while parents are working and the kids are not in school. Another good avenue is finding a community fan and air conditioning drive which helps families and the elderly avoid heat-related illnesses during the sweltering summer months.
Or, finish your spring cleaning in the summer. Donate the clothing, household goods and other items no longer needed to not for profits who refurbish and resell them in their thrift stores.
Here is a caution, however. While charitable giving is important and worthwhile, be sure to check that the organization is legitimately not for profit. Check its references online. Ask friends and relatives what they know about it. Call the organization to inquire about its tax exempt status. Don’t donate unless you know all the proper paperwork is in the hands of the Internal Revenue Service.
To further credential your charitable giving this summer, be sure to save the receipts the not for profit provides with a donation. Use online tax software such as Turbo Tax to keep your donation records in good order. Turbo Tax Its Deductible records everything necessary to give correct documentation to the IRS come tax season.
Remember, no matter how you spend your leisurely summer days, plan to send some money, time and belongings to the charitable organization of your choice. Correctly recorded and documented, those donations will add up to nice tax deductions in April.