Make Sure Every Donation Counts
Sarah B
Charities obviously benefit when you donate to them. But you can also benefit by securing a tax deduction on your 2025 income tax return if you donate by Dec. 31, itemize deductions and comply with the tax rules. Here are a few rules to keep in mind:
- Ensure you’re donating to a qualified charitable organization. A tool on the IRS website, the Exempt Organizations Select Check, allows users to confirm a charity’s tax-exempt status.
- If you receive something in return for your donation, find out its fair market value (FMV). Suppose you donate $500, and, in return, you receive event tickets. You must subtract the FMV of the tickets from the $500 to arrive at your tax deduction.
- Substantiation rules apply when deducting charitable gifts, and they vary based on the type and amount of the donation. For example, some types of property donations may require a professional appraisal.
Contact the office with any questions about the charitable deduction rules.
Our regularly updated newsletter provides timely articles to help you achieve your financial goals. Please come back and visit often. Feature Articles Bonus Depreciation and Other Year-End Tax-Saving Tools for Businesses 5 Smart Tips for Individual Year-End Tax Planning Throwing a Party for Your Workforce? Know the Tax Rules Tax Tips Make Sure Every Donation Counts Making Tax-Free Gift in 2025 and 2026 Easier Reporting Rules for Some Forms Upcoming Tax Dates
November 17 Employers: Deposit Social Security, Medicare and withheld income taxes for October if the monthly deposit rule applies. Employers: Deposit nonpayroll withheld income tax for October if the monthly deposit rule applies. Calendar-year exempt organizations: File a 2024 information return (Form 990, Form 990-EZ or Form 990-PF) if a six-month extension was filed. Pay any tax, interest and penalties due. December 10 Individuals: Report November tip income of $20 or more to employers (Form 4070).
A pesky reporting burden for businesses will be eased by legislation signed into law on July 4. Currently, businesses must issue a Form 1099-MISC to any payee (and to the IRS) when transactions reach $600 in a calendar year. And businesses that pay $600 or more for services rendered by an independent contractor must issue a Form 1099-NEC (Nonemployee Compensation). Beginning with payments made in 2026, the threshold rises from $600 to $2,000 and will be adjusted for inflation in subsequent years. This change simplifies compliance and reduces the risk of penalties for missed 1099 filings. However, businesses must continue to maintain accurate records of all payments.