Complexity Reigns When Claiming A Charitable Deduction
COMPLEXITY REIGNS WHEN CLAIMING A CHARITABLE DEDUCTION |
Asset Classification Gifts to charity funded with different types of assets are subject to different restrictions on deductibility. The Internal Revenue Code (IRC) generally classifies different types of property according to a four-tier system: 1) ordinary income property; 2) short-term capital gain property; 3) long-term capital gain property; and 4) tax-free property. Property is also classified as either intangible property or tangible personal property. Types of Charities There are also deductibility limitations imposed on donations depending on the structure of the recipient charities, which fall into two general categories:
Valuation and Eligibility Donors must categorize donations in accordance with the above classifications in order to determine the valuation of their gift for the purpose of claiming a charitable deduction. Consider the following:
Any single contribution exceeding $5,000 (except one funded with cash or publicly-traded stock) requires a qualified appraisal within 60 days of the date of gift. The donor must submit the appraisal when filing his or her taxes. All gifts of $250 or more require written acknowledgment from the recipient charity in order to claim a deduction, though it is undoubtedly prudent to obtain a receipt for gifts of any size. Income Limitations
For gifts of both long- and short-term appreciated property, your deduction is limited to 30% of AGI for gifts to public charities and 20% of AGI for gifts to private foundations. The limitations on both cash and appreciated property work in tandem, capping total charitable deductions for any one year at 50% of AGI. Deductible amounts above these limits may be carried forward for up to five additional, consecutive tax years. Higher income donors must also be wary of restrictions on total itemized deductions, which are gradually phased out above certain levels of AGI. Seek Counsel There is only one conclusion that can be drawn with certainty: If you intend to make a charitable gift that you consider to be significant, the assistance and counsel of a qualified tax professional is vital to successfully navigating the murky waters of charitable tax law.
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