End of year donation

[girdwoodbarb]

Hello, I sent a donation check to an organization on Dec. 15, 2022, but they did not deposit it until mid-January 2023. I made several donations to this organization in 2022 and they sent me a year end summary of donations and that last donation isn't on there.

My question is: Do I put that last donation on my 2022 tax return since I donated it in 2022 or should I wait until they acknowledge it at the end of 2023 and put in on my 2023 return? I don't have a preference for which year it goes on other than it be the correct one.

Thank you!

[CSKcpa56 · Accepted solution]

You're a cash basis taxpayer. It does not matter if the charitable organization cashed your check in 2022 or 2023. What matters is the date you sent the check to them, which is based on the check date shown on the actual check. The discrepancy between the receipt from the organization and your return is easily identifiable and explainable.  You'll just have to remember to remove the deduction from the statement they send you in 2024. 

[girdwoodbarb]

Thank you for your reply. That is what I was told by a TurboTax CPA but since I don't have proof I wasn't sure it was accurate info. I guess it's true though. I documented it and put a note in my 2023 tax file to remember to deduct it from next year's statement. Thanks so much! Taxes done!