Washington, DC – The IRS rules regarding all charitable contributions have changed this tax year, every dollar written off needs documentation.
Join our WhatsApp groupSubscribe to our Daily Roundup Email
Givers place a lot of those dollars in the collection plate or in special envelopes marked for their synagogue, they all need to have a letter from the organization showing the amount and the date.
In the past, it depended on whether you gave more than or less than $250. Now, no matter what you give. The documentation doesn’t have to be filed with the tax forms but should be available in case of an audit. This would affect only taxpayers who itemize.
“This is a clearer standard of proof for everyone — it is also a higher standard of proof,” said Mark Hanson, an IRS spokesman.
“And for people who are concerned about getting that kind of document,” Hanson said, “they should use their credit card or write a check.”
“mark levin…etc” is correct, but maybe people will just give by check a few times a year what they would’ve been putting in the pushke.
Also, I think the article was unclear: 250 and above needs a receipt from the organization dated before you filed the return. Under 250 needs a credit card or bank statement or receipt.
This is not going to be good for shuls and anyone else who collects.
Each shul will have to issue credit cards to those who don’t have one. When the gabbai collecting with the pushke comes over,you will slide the card through the electronic tzeddoko box and at the end of the tax year,it will print out 1099 or W-2 forms out to every contributor. Problem is now what to do with the cash only schnorrers who come in the middle of kriyas shema,shmoneh esrey???Or the ones who disturb you at chasunos?
YES,YOU NEED A RECEIPT THAT STATES THAT NO GOODS OR SERVICES WERE PROVIDED.OTHERWISE,IRS,WILL NOT COUNT IT TOWARDS CHARITY.
If you write a CHECK to your org. do you still needa Reciept or Letter ?