Individuals and businesses making contributions to charity should keep in mind several important tax law provisions that have taken effect in recent years. 

Table of Contents

• Publication 526 - Introductory Material

  • What's New

  • Reminders

  • Introduction

    • Ordering forms and publications.

    • Tax questions.

  • Useful Items - You may want to see:

• Publication 526 - Main Content

  • Organizations That Qualify To Receive Deductible Contributions

    • Types of Qualified Organizations

  • Contributions You Can Deduct

    • Contributions From Which You Benefit

    • Expenses Paid for Student Living With You

    • Out-of-Pocket Expenses in Giving Services

    • Expenses of Whaling Captains

  • Contributions You Cannot Deduct

    • Contributions to Individuals

    • Contributions to Nonqualified Organizations

    • Contributions From Which You Benefit

    • Value of Time or Services

    • Personal Expenses

    • Appraisal Fees

    • Contributions to Donor Advised Funds

    • Partial Interest in Property

  • Contributions of Property

    • Contributions Subject to Special Rules

    • Determining Fair Market Value

    • Giving Property That Has Decreased in Value

    • Giving Property That Has Increased in Value

    • Penalty

  • When To Deduct

    • Checks.

    • Credit card.

    • Pay-by-phone account.

    • Stock certificate.

    • Promissory note.

    • Option.

    • Borrowed funds.

    • Conditional gift.

  • Limits on Deductions

    • 50% Limit

    • 30% Limit

    • Special 30% Limit for Capital Gain Property

    • 20% Limit

    • Special 50% Limit for Qualified Conservation Contributions

    • How To Figure Your Deduction When Limits Apply

  • Records To Keep

    • Cash Contributions

    • Noncash Contributions

    • Out-of-Pocket Expenses

  • How To Report

    • Reporting expenses for student living with you.

    • Total deduction over $500.

    • Deduction over $5,000 for one item.

    • Vehicle donations.

    • Clothing and household items not in good used condition.

    • Easement on building in historic district.

    • Deduction over $500,000.

  • How To Get Tax Help

    • Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs).

• Publication 526 - Additional Material

• Index