Had an account tell me I was writing off charity incorrectly...how should you write it off? what form / line?

[dburns1]

Charitable contributions are reported on Form 1040, Schedule A, lines 11-13. Schedule A is for itemized deductions and should be higher than the standard deduction. For tax year 2024 the standard deduction is:

Single  14,600

Married filing jointly 29,200

Head of household 21,900

[xmasbaby0]

Federal>Deductions and Credits>Charitable Donations>Donations to Charity

 If you do not have enough deductions to itemize, then your donations will not affect your refund or tax due.  You will just receive the standard deduction.

A charitable donation almost never changes your tax due or refund all by itself.  First, your donation does not count "dollar for dollar"--it is calculated by a percentage based on your tax bracket.  You need a LOT of other itemized deductions like mortgage interest or property taxes, medical expense, etc. to itemize and exceed your standard deduction.

2024 STANDARD DEDUCTION AMOUNTS

SINGLE $14,600    (65 or older/legally blind + $1950)

MARRIED FILING SEPARATELY $14,600    (65 or older/legally blind + $1550)

MARRIED FILING JOINTLY $29,200    (65 or older/legally blind + $1550)

HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD $21,900    (65 or older/legally blind + $1950)

[VolvoGirl]

There is only 1 way to report it.  Where/how  have you been reporting it?  Are you filling out schedule C for self employment?  It doesn't go on schedule C.  

[eaglewarmo]

donations for a business...yes I was putting on schedule c.

Even though you own a business the charity does on your personal 1040?

Thanks.

[EMS0]

Would their personal deductions (donating to charity) be put on their taxes for business if they own the business or are personal charitable deductions and business charity deductions filed differently? 

[dburns1 · Accepted solution]

Yes even if you own a Sch C business, charitable donations go on Schedule A of Form 1040.