W.W.&F. Discussion Forum

WW&F Railway Museum Discussion => Museum Discussion => Topic started by: Jock Ellis on February 22, 2010, 11:52:49 AM

Title: Only things for sure are dues and taxes
Post by: Jock Ellis on February 22, 2010, 11:52:49 AM

Are dues tax deductible?

Title: Re: Only things for sure are dues and taxes
Post by: James Patten on February 22, 2010, 11:59:48 AM

I believe the short answer is yes.  Someone else can give a more technical answer.

Title: Re: Only things for sure are dues and taxes
Post by: Duncan Mackiewicz on February 22, 2010, 12:47:06 PM

Acording to the IRS bulletin available in a 1040 form booklet, if you gain no tangible benefit from the donation to a 501-3c organization you may claim the donation. In addition, the cost of travel (choose either mileage or cost of gas/oil as well as tolls) and lodging (food and where you stay) is also deductable during your time at the museum.  By all means save your receipts from restaurants, motel, gas station and toll plazas.  It is okay according to the IRS instructions to take all of these as deductions. 
Duncan

Title: Re: Only things for sure are dues and taxes
Post by: Dale Reynolds on February 22, 2010, 07:39:31 PM

jock, the museum is an irs approved charity. in the past 45 years of itemizing deductions, i have never had the irs question dues paid to an irs approved charity. i have had several issues with investments and real estate, however!!!!!! the museum provides a wonderful newsletter, but no discounts at the store and either no or just a tiny discount on rides. so while i dont presume to be an expert, i certainly would and do take my dues off my taxes. dale

Title: Re: Only things for sure are dues and taxes
Post by: Mike Fox on February 22, 2010, 08:12:22 PM

Any donation given to the museum, whether it is for dues or a donation for the annual fund, should be acknowledged by a thank you letter. If you plan on writing off your donation, save your letters. It is one form of receipt. I have been trying to properly word the letters to be more specific as to what the donations were for. If you need receipts, contact me offline and I'll get them right out to you.
Mike
  

Title: Cost of WW&F Newsletter is deminimis
Post by: Allan Fisher on February 23, 2010, 01:20:24 AM

The cost of the WW&F Newsletter is considered "de minimis" by the IRS, and therefore, all dues paid are totally tax deductible.

Title: Re: Only things for sure are dues and taxes
Post by: Duncan Mackiewicz on February 23, 2010, 10:43:16 AM

As I mentioned yesterday, the dues and all associated costs such as travel, food and lodging may be taken as deductions.  I do and have been doing so for many years.  As mentioned by Allan and Mike it is wise to keep copies of the thank you letters from the museum as well as all other receipts for travel if you plan to use the costs as deductions.  The IRS is fussy about proof.
Duncan

Title: Re: Only things for sure are dues and taxes
Post by: Jock Ellis on February 24, 2010, 11:32:35 AM

Thanks for the info. Yes, I have copies - as well as the originals - but I wasn't sure about the dues.