Can you offset capital gains with charitable contributions?

Capital gains tax strategies—You can use charitable contributions to reduce your capital gains tax liability by donating long-term appreciated assets. Not only can you deduct the fair market value of what you give from your income taxes, you can also minimize capital gains tax of up to 20 percent.

Are items bought at charity auction tax deductible?

Donors who purchase items at a charity auction may claim a charitable contribution deduction for the excess of the purchase price paid for an item over its fair market value. The donor must be able to show, however, that he or she knew that the value of the item was less than the amount paid.

How do you record donations to Goodwill on taxes?

Record your donations on the Schedule A of IRS Form 1040. This form is used for itemized deductions and includes all charitable donations throughout the year. Enter your totals into the section labeled “Gifts to Charity.” A copy of Schedule A for Form 1040 is available at http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040sa.pdf.

How is Goodwill treated for tax purposes?

Any goodwill created in an acquisition structured as an asset sale/338 is tax deductible and amortizable over 15 years along with other intangible assets that fall under IRC section 197. Any goodwill created in an acquisition structured as a stock sale is non tax deductible and non amortizable.

What donations are tax deductible?

Your tax deductible donations can include mileage you drive to charitable events and volunteer opportunities, or mileage you used to bring items to a donation site. You can either deduct your actual expenses using receipts for gas and similar costs, or you can take the standard mileage deduction.

Can you deduct silent auction items?

Can I deduct the cost of a silent auction item purchased from a charity? You can deduct the excess, if any, between the FMV of the item and the amount you paid as a charitable donation, assuming you paid more than FMV for the item.