Caking Baking for Charity

[kayembee]

I bake cakes for an organization and those cakes are delivered to disadvantaged children.  Can I deduct the supplies purchased to make these cakes?

[xmasbaby0]

If you are making a donation -- or donations-- to a recognized charity then your supplies can be entered as a charitable donation.   You cannot deduct anything for your time or expertise.

Understand that charity donations will not have any effect on your refund or tax due unless you have enough other itemized deductions to excess your standard deduction.   You need a LOT of other itemized deductions like mortgage interest or property taxes, medical expense, etc. to itemize and exceed your standard deduction.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/credits-and-deductions/help/what-is-a-qualified-charitable-organiz...

[Bsch4477]

You can deduct out of pocket expenses for a recognized charity but only if you itemize. Get an acknowledgment from the charity of your donation. 

[Opus 17]

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@Bsch4477 wrote:

You can deduct out of pocket expenses for a recognized charity but only if you itemize. Get an acknowledgment from the charity of your donation. 

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You should ask for a statement or letter from the charity that acknowledges your service to them.  The charity will not (should not) attest to the specific dollar value, you will prove that separately with your own receipts or other reliable records.  Keep these records for at least 3 years after you file.