For Now, Uncle Sam Rewards Those Who Give To Charity
Non-Profit Expert Helps Donors Decipher Tax Rules
MAHWAH, N.J. (March 15, 2009) – Since 1917, Uncle Sam has incentivized charitable giving by allowing taxpayers to deduct their charitable contributions off their federal income taxes. But recent government actions indicate that Uncle Sam's had a change of heart. With the Pension Protection Act of 2006, congress passed tighter regulations for charitable deductions, such as restricting taxpayers from deducting the spare change dropped in a charity's collection bucket without a receipt. More recently, the Obama administration has proposed reducing the charitable tax deduction for the wealthiest Americans as a way to help pay for health care reform.
With April 15 approaching, your audience should know how the rules governing charitable deductions have changed.
Ken Berger is President & CEO for Charity Navigator (www.charitynavigator.org), a non-profit evaluator providing free online ratings of over 5,300 charities and tax advice tips. He is available, by phone or via a studio in the NYC area, to help your audience earn credit for their generosity.
Items for discussion could include:
- What are the rules regarding tax deductions for cash and noncash donations?
- What documentation must you provide?
- What are the benefits of making a donation from an IRA? What are the restrictions?
- Is volunteer time deductible?
- How does a donor accurately value a car donation?
- How does your income level effect your deductions if the White House's proposed budget passes?
- How can you tell a well-run charity from an also-ran?
To schedule an interview or for more information,
please contact Sandra Miniutti at (201) 818-1288 x105 or media@charitynavigator.org.
