I belong to a few organizations such as the Elks and the American Legion. Are the annual dues tax deductible ?

[superdav]

Would these be considered as a charitable expense?

[TomK · Accepted solution]

Maybe.  A charitable contribution is a donation or gift to, or for the use of, a qualified organization. It is voluntary and is made without getting, or expecting to get, anything of equal value.   

Qualified organizations include nonprofit groups that are religious, charitable, educational, scientific, or literary in purpose, or that work to prevent cruelty to children or animals. You will find descriptions of these organizations under Organizations That Qualify To Receive Deductible Contributions .

Please refer to this Tax Exempt Organization Search on the IRS website to determine if your organization qualifies: https://apps.irs.gov/app/eos/

[superdav]

Thanks for getting back so quick.  So the organizations are qualified organizations and I know various charitable fundraiser donations are deductible.  My question is, are the dues I paid to belong tax deductible?

[TomK]

Yes, they should be deductible (but there are restrictions). Please see TurboTax Pro Michael's response to a similar question: <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/6728820">https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/6728820</a>