SCOR Tax Services Division

Here are some tips to help taxpayers keep track of charitable donations:

General deduction rules. Generally, taxpayers must itemize deductions on Schedule A (Form 1040), Itemized Deductions to claim a deduction for charitable contributions. However, beginning with tax year 2026, taxpayers who do not itemize may be able to deduct up to $1,000 in cash contributions, or $2,000 for married taxpayers filing jointly, made to certain qualified organizations.

Know what qualifies. Donations to individuals are not deductible. Examples of this include gifts or individual fundraising accounts. Taxpayers can use the Tax Exempt Organization Search tool on IRS.gov to verify whether an organization is eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

Keep proof of all cash donations. For any cash, check or other monetary gifts, taxpayers should keep a bank record or written communication from the charitable organization showing the organization's name, the date of the contribution and the amount donated.

Get a written acknowledgment for larger donations. Contributions of $250 or more, cash or property, require a written acknowledgment from the qualified organization before the deduction can be claimed. The documentation must include the amount of cash or description of the property. It also must state if the organization provided any goods or services in exchange for the gift. If so, description and a good faith estimate of the value of those goods or services must be provided.

Maintain records for non-cash donations.

Thinking of starting a business? One of the most important first steps for new entrepreneurs and future business owners is to ensure the right business structure is chosen. That’s not all though, there’re a few other tips and best practices for those starting out.

Choose a business structure:

Each business structure has different tax filing requirements and legal considerations. Knowing the difference between them can help determine which option is best. The most common are:

Sole proprietorship: An unincorporated business owned by an individual. There's no distinction between the taxpayer and their business.

Partnership: An unincorporated business with ownership shared between two or more people.

Corporation: Also known as a C corporation. It's a separate entity owned by shareholders.

S corporation: A corporation that elects to pass corporate income, losses, deductions and credits through to the shareholders.

Limited liability company: A business structure allowed by state statute.

Homeowners should review any tax benefits for homeownership
The year is nearly half over which makes it a good time to remind homeowners and future homeowners to review their eligibility for any tax deductions, programs and housing allowances. If eligible, these tax benefits could help with some of the common costs of being a homeowner.
Deductible house-related expenses
Taxpayers must itemize their deductions to deduct homeownership expenses. Most home buyers take out a mortgage to buy their home, and their mortgage lender may bundle other home-related costs.
The costs the homeowner can deduct are:
• State and local real estate taxes, subject to a $40,000 limit or $20,000 if married filing separately
• Home mortgage interest, within the allowed limits
Homeowners can't deduct any of the following items:
• Insurance including fire and comprehensive coverage and title insurance
• The amount applied to reduce the principal of the mortgage
• Wages paid to domestic help
• Depreciation
• The cost of utilities, such as gas, electricity or water
• Most settlement or closing costs
• Forfeited deposits, down payments or earnest money
• Internet or Wi-Fi system or service
• Homeowners’ association fees, condominium association fees or common charges
• Home repairs
Mortgage Interest Credit
The Mortgage Interest Credit helps people with lower income afford homeownership. Those who qualify can claim the credit each year for part of the home mortgage interest paid. A homeowner may be eligible for the credit if they were issued a qualified Mortgage Credit Certificate from their state or local government.
Ministers and military housing allowance
Ministers and members of the uniformed services who receive a nontaxable housing allowance can still deduct their real estate taxes and home mortgage interest. They don't have to reduce their deductions based on the allowance.