How to Write off a Political Contribution

Most contributors are unable to write off a political donations. In some cases, you may be able to deduct a portion of the donation from your adjusted gross income, but that is only if the organization that you have contributed to is a qualified organization. Donations to most non-profit groups can be a tax write-off. Lobbying groups are not qualified to offer deductions.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Write off a Political Contribution

1. Write off a portion of your charitable donation to non-profit groups that have a similar agenda as a political group. This political agenda can not be the only reason the non-profit group was formed. If you donate financially into a general fund, you should be able to receive the tax deduction.

2. Contribute to a political organization as a gift without getting a write-off. There are other benefits of donating to a political campaign, such as the satisfaction of knowing that you are supporting change in your nation.

3. Consider donating to a non-profit organization that disperses money to charities all over the nation. As long as you don't earmark your contribution to be used for political purposes only, your money may be used in conjunction with other donations that are given to individual political campaigns.

4. Donate funds to organizations that lobby to include political contributions as income tax deductions. You will probably not receive a write-off for this donation, but you will be helping the agenda that sets out to change current IRS policy on political contributions.

5. Check off the box on your IRS 1040 form that allows $3 to go to the Presidential Election Campaign fund. You and your spouse can check the box, and it in no way changes your tax or refund amount.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to ask what type of IRS status the organization holds before donating.
• Check with the IRS to verify tax status of a charitable organization.
• Contact your tax attorney or CPA for more details on income deductions.
• Avoid obvious ways of tax sheltering your money through political associations.
• Donating property or other assets as a political contribution fall under the same IRS restrictions as contributing money.
• Don't donate just for tax benefits. Try to make contributions to charitable organizations that have a relation somehow to your life.