Why did I earn a tax credit for church donations?

[GiseleD]

Are you referring to the itemized deduction on your federal Schedule A (Itemized Deductions)? The IRS allows you to deduct charitable contributions on Schedule A. To learn more, see line 11 on Schedule A Itemized Deductions.

[Anonymous]

there are no tax credits for charitable contributions to a church.  at best they are part of your itemized deductions which will lower your tax assuming they exceed your standard deduction.  perhaps we can provide more help if you tell us where on the 1040 or schedules 1 thru 5 that the credit appeared.  it could be you entered something in the wrong place