Are donations to charity contests tax deductible?

UmphreysJam34

Well, its tax time. And while I am going through everything I was wondering about this. I donated $100 for the Wrigley EB charity contest and also donated for a similar contest for another band. Didn't win either. But wondering if these are tax deductible? Thanks in advance.

hedonist

The organizations should have sent you a receipt documenting the donation. That's been my experience, though I never claim them on my taxes.

Where is our resident 10C accountant??

deadendp

It seems as though you can. Did they provide you with any type of giving statement?
https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/charitable-organizations/charitable-contribution-deductions

HesCalledDyer

As long as you have proof that you donated, yes, you can claim any charitable donation. Bear in mind, however, that to deduct charitable donations you must itemize your return. The standard deduction is $6500, so unless you have itemized deductions exceeding this amount, it's useless to try to claim charitable donations.

HesCalledDyer

Basically if you're not a homeowner, self-employed, taking care of someone in your own home, or have a shit ton of medical expenses, you'll take the standard deduction instead of itemizing.

mookeywrench

Raffles and contests are non-deductible

mookeywrench

Per Irs pub. 526, page 7. CONTRIBUTIONS FROM WHICH YOU BENEFIT.

"You cannot deduct as a charitable contribution amounts you pay to buy raffle or lottery tickets or to play bingo or other games of chance"