Form 8283 - where does it flow to?

[roninshawneeKS]

OK, a couple of questions:

1) Yes, I understand about the $300 limit (Single) on Charitable contributions if you are filing using the Standard Deduction - but have probably missed it being stated DEFINITELY that there is ABSOLUTELY NO WAY to deduct cash contributions in excess of $300 when using a Standard Deduction (i.e. without using a Schedule A itemized deductions).  [Or another way to ask might be, is there ANY WAY to deduct $2,000 in cash contributions other than through the Schedule A itemized deductions?]

2)  I have read the Form 8283 (non-cash charity contributions) at least half-a-dozen times and have yet NOT FIGURED OUT where the information on this form is supposed to flow to?  And I have searched all over the internet for this question and still can't find the answer.  What am I missing?

ron in shawnee

[Bsch4477]

Non cash contribution goes to line 12 of Sch A. Correct, you must itemize to deduct a cash contribution greater than 300/600. 

[roninshawneeKS]

Champ-

OK, that is what I thought.  I just wish the information on these Deductions would have a DEFINITIVE STATEMENT that says:

"You MUST use a Schedule A for cash contributions exceeding 300/600"

instead of saying:

"You CAN deduct up to 300/600 of contributions with the Standard Deduction".

Just a pet peeve of mine when I cannot find a definitive clarification statement covering what I am looking for.

Thanks Champ - and still looking for more clarification on the non-cash contributions (i.e. Form 8283).

ron in shawnee

[MarilynG1]

Click this link for instructions on Entering Non-Cash Charitable Donations. 

TurboTax will create Form 8283 for you if the combined value of all property you donate is more than $500.

Here's more info on Form 8283. 

[roninshawneeKS]

MarilynG-

Thanks for the response - and I have a couple of comments and a question.

1)  I have read a lot about the Form 8283 - like the Link you enclosed with you response, but the explanation in your Link as well as any other articles I have read, as well as the "instructions" on the Form 8283 itself - and none of them tell me where the Form 8283 form flows to - i.e. most tax forms end with a comment that says that "this value" is to be entered in Line of xx on Form xxxx.  I just don't see that on this form.

Maybe I am catching on since I will note that multiple Form 8283s may be required - and that is OK - but even then, they should tell you where or what to do with the entries on this form(s).  I do note that the Form 8283 is referenced on the Schedule A - but it seems like that should also be referenced on the Form 8283 itself.

Earlier, Champ says that I MUST use a Schedule A for cash contributions in excess of the $300/$600 limit, so maybe my real question is:  Is there NO WAY to deduct cash contributions (in excess of $300/$600) OR non-cash contributions OTHER THAN via a Schedule A.

ron in shawnee

[RaifH · Accepted solution]

Yes, you can only deduct cash contributions greater than $300/$600 or non-cash contributions on your Schedule A, Itemized Deductions. If the total of your itemized deductions does not exceed your Standard Deduction, you are probably better off taking the standard deduction + 300/600 for your cash contributions. I only say probably because you may benefit in certain states from itemizing since you can only itemize on the state return if you itemize the federal return. Kansas is no longer one of those states.

If you do not use your charitable contributions in excess of $300/600 this year because you do not itemize, they are lost. They cannot be carried forward. Other than itemizing or taking the $300/600 cash contribution that is allowed in 2021 to all taxpayers, there is no other way to claim charitable contributions. 

[roninshawneeKS]

RaifH-

THANK YOU for your very clear explanation of what is going on with Charitable contributions PLUS your comment on itemizing deductions as applied to your state return.  I think remember seeing that benefit/restriction before, but didn't remember it, so thanks for reminding me (even if it doesn't apply to Kansas).

Yes, I am very happy now - just wish your simple explanation could be found in the many articles I have been reading, researching.

And will be marking your summary as the BEST OVERALL answer.

ron in shawnee