According to the report Giving USA, U.S. families and individuals give an average of more than $1 billion to charity every day—a major force for addressing important needs in our communities. The value of giving is also recognized by the U.S. tax code, which provides a variety of tax incentives to support those who wish to use their funds to do good. By using the proper tax planning strategies, charitable contributions can reduce three kinds of federal taxes: income, capital gains and estate taxes.
Understanding the tax strategies related to charitable contributions can help you decide how much to give, what asset to give and when to give. To provide the maximum amount to charity—and receive the maximum tax advantages for yourself, consider these strategies:
The tax information provided is general and educational in nature and should not be construed as legal or tax advice. Fidelity Charitable does not provide legal or tax advice. Content provided relates to taxation at the federal level only. Charitable deductions at the federal level are available only if you itemize deductions. Rules and regulations regarding tax deductions for charitable giving vary at the state level, and laws of a specific state or laws relevant to a particular situation may affect the applicability, accuracy or completeness of the information provided. As a result, Fidelity Charitable cannot guarantee that such information is accurate, complete or timely. Tax laws and regulations are complex and subject to change, and changes in them may have a material impact on pretax and/or after-tax results. Fidelity Charitable makes no warranties with regard to such information or results obtained by its use. Fidelity Charitable disclaims any liability arising out of your use of, or any tax position taken in reliance on, such information. Always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.
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