I help a friend that does not live with me pay rent, can I list that as charity, or can I even write that off?

[tompkinskent]

I help a friend that does not live with me pay rent, can I list that as charity, or can I even write that off?

[bluedeb · Accepted solution]

Sorry no, although that is a nice thing you are doing.  Helping someone pay their rent is not a qualified charitable organization so it cannot be deducted as a charitable donation.  It is also not some thing that you can write off on your tax return.