Are general admission tickets for non-profit museums tax deductible?

[HollyP · Accepted solution]

No, because you received something in return (admission) for your payment to the museum. A charitable contribution is a donation or gift to, or for the use of, a qualified organization. It is voluntary and is made without getting, or expecting to get, anything of equal value in return. See IRS Publication 526 for more info here: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p526.pdf

[siavashuul]

I'm not sure if this is a correct reason at least. Most donations come with something in exchange. From donating to a school foundation to get name rights or better seats at the stadium to fancier reception when you get a membership to a museum when you donate to that museum. There should be a better explanation why some "donations" can be tax deductible and some not.