If you receive a benefit as a result of making a contribution to a qualified organization, you can deduct only the amount of your contribution that is more than the value of the benefit you receive. Also see Contributions From Which You Benefit under Contributions You Can't Deduct, later. If you pay more than fair market value to a qualified organization for goods or services, the excess may be a charitable contribution. For the excess amount to qualify, you must pay it with the intent to make a charitable contribution.
You may be able to deduct membership fees or dues you pay to a qualified organization. However, you can deduct only the amount that is more than the value of the benefits you receive. You can't deduct dues, fees, or assessments paid to country clubs and other social organizations. They aren't qualified organization.
Once the amount of the charitable contribution is determined, follow these steps in Turbo Tax to enter the amount on to your tax return:
-
Log
into your tax return.
Use the search box in the in the upper right hand corner, type "charitable contributions" in the search box and press enter.
Click the "Jump to Charitable Contributions" link that comes up.
Click "yes" that you had donations to charity in 2016.
The
next screen asks about ItsDeductible, click "no" even if you did have
an account.
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The next several screen will ask you specific questions regarding
your donations/contributions.
