Tips on Tax Deductions for Charitable Contributions (III)

Deductibility Limitations to 501(c)(3) Groups

Individuals giving to 501(c)(3) organizations that are either public charities, private operating foundations, and certain private foundations may deduct contributions representing up to 50% of the donor's adjusted gross income if the individual itemizes on his tax returns. The 1986 Tax Reform Act, which become effective January 1, 1987, does not allow non-itemizers to deduct charitable donations on their federal income tax returns.

Individuals giving to 501(c)(3) organizations that are private foundations may generally deduct contributions representing up to 30% of their adjusted gross income. Corporations may deduct all contributions to 501(c)(3) organizations (regardless of foundation status) up to an amount normally equal to 10% of their taxable income.

501(c)(4)

Organizations that both perform a substantial amount of legislative lobbying on behalf of specific issues and primarily engage in social welfare activities may be classified under section 501(c)(4). Other organizations tax exempt under this section of the Internal Revenue Code include civic associations, some volunteer fire departments, and local associations of employees.

Contributions to 501(c)(4) organizations generally are not deductible as charitable donations, but they may be deductible as a business expense.

However, contributions to two types of 501(c)(4) organizations may be deductible as charitable donations:
* Volunteer fire companies and similar organizations, if the contributions are to be used for public purposes.
* Most war veterans' organizations, if 90% of the organization's membership is comprised of U.S. Armed Forces Veterans. Although a separate category-501(c)(19)-has been created for veterans' organizations, some still have a 501(c)(4) ruling.

501(c)(6)

Non-profit organizations ruled tax exempt under section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code include business leagues, chambers of commerce, trade associations, real estate boards, and boards of trade. Contributions to 501(c)(6) organizations are not deductible as charitable donations for federal income tax purposes. Donations may be deducted as a business expense if they are "ordinary and necessary" in the conduct of the taxpayer's business.

501(c)(19)

A separately created category for veterans' organizations is the 501(c)(19) classification. Generally, contributions to 501(c)(19) organizations are deductible as charitable donations for federal income tax purposes if at least 90% of the members are war veterans. (Those veterans' organizations that still have a 501(c)(4) ruling are also eligible to receive contributions deductible as charitable donations.)