Charitable deduction

rarusso — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 12:33:22 GMT

Filer A and filer B file separate returns. Filer A& B have a joint checking account. Filer A makes charitable contributions from the joint checking account but takes a standard deduction.

Can filer B claim the charitable deductions made from the joint checking account?

Re: Charitable deduction

xmasbaby0 — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 19:15:37 GMT

No. If you are filing separate returns you both have to file the same way. That means you both have to use standard deduction or you both itemize. It cannot be one of each. Donations are an itemized deduction.

If you were legally married at the end of 2022 your filing choices are married filing jointly or married filing separately.

Married Filing Jointly is usually better, even if one spouse had little or no income. When you file a joint return, you and your spouse will get the married filing jointly standard deduction of $25,900 (+$1400 for each spouse 65 or older) You are eligible for more credits including education credits, earned income credit, child and dependent care credit, and a larger income limit to receive the child tax credit.

If you choose to file married filing separately, both spouses have to file the same way—either you both itemize or you both use standard deduction. Your tax rate will be higher than on a joint return. Some of the special rules for filing separately include: you cannot get earned income credit, education credits, adoption credits, or deductions for student loan interest. A higher percent of your Social Security benefits may be taxable. Your limit for SALT (state and local taxes and sales tax) will be only $5000 per spouse. In many cases you will not be able to take the child and dependent care credit. The amount you can contribute to a retirement account will be affected. If you live in a community property state, you will be required to provide additional information regarding your spouse’s income. ( Community property states: AZ, CA, ID, LA, NV, NM, TX, WA, WI)

If you are using online TurboTax to prepare your returns, you will need to prepare two separate returns and pay twice.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1894449-married-filing-jointly-vs-married-filing-separately

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901162-married-filing-separately-in-community-property-states

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1894449-is-it-better-for-a-married-couple-to-file-jointly-or-separately

Re: Charitable deduction

rarusso — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 19:18:48 GMT

Filer A & B are not married they are siblings living in separate households. Does that change the answer given?

Re: Charitable deduction

xmasbaby0 — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 19:23:15 GMT

@rarusso Well-----yes. If you are siblings then you can each file the way you want to. One of you can itemize; the other can use standard deduction. The one who is itemizing can enter a charitable donation.

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