If you adopt a dog from a 501©3, can you write the cost off on your taxes as a charitable donation? TIA!
I don’t know, but I don’t think those are deductable. You do get something in return for it - the animal.
No.
If you receive something in exchange for your money, it’s not considered a donation.
Same as if you buy something in a fundraiser (the person who donated the item gets a tax receipt, but the person who buys it is making a purchase).
How about just feeling good about yourself and that you gave a dog a much needed, hopefully, great home???
Thanks! I was just curious.:yes:
Actually it depends. If the rescue values the dog (must be a reasonable value) for less than your donation, you can deduct the difference. I’ve never heard of a rescue doing that, though.
I was able to claim a horse we adopted-but that was because we didn’t formally own the horse. They didn’t sign ownership over until we had her for five years. In those 5 years we could claim anything towards her care/upkeep, since it was like fostering. I’m going to guess that you cannot claim the dog adoption fee, but if you fostered you could. Just a guess though.
I would think it depends on if they call it a fee or a donation. Ask the rescue.
As for not being able to get a deduction if you buy something at a fundraiser, not true. It the organization is a 501©3, they will give you a receipt for your charitable donation.
The same as if you participate in let’s say, a golf tournament. You are paying to golf, but a portion should still be considered a donation.
They might give you a receipt, but it is questionable if the IRS accepts it.
Many years ago we had a benefit auction for the baby of a COTH member: While the purchases were appreciated, they were not deductable contributions.
So I would not play with the IRS on that matter.
I was just wondering because the wording on the contract is “donation”. It’s a 501©3 rescue operation, so it just got me thinking. Not a big deal! The new baby I have is amazing and awesome and my first adoption from a rescue. My old man I got from the animal shelter 12 years ago.
That’s why I love COTH; lots of people that know more about things than I do!:winkgrin:
Caffeinated is correct.
[QUOTE=Alagirl;5851993]
They might give you a receipt, but it is questionable if the IRS accepts it.
Many years ago we had a benefit auction for the baby of a COTH member: While the purchases were appreciated, they were not deductable contributions.
So I would not play with the IRS on that matter.[/QUOTE]
Were the baby or the family a 501c or were the donations given to one who then gave them to the family?
Jaeger - no. From what I remember this person was in need and people just gave money. No tax exempt entity was involved.
[quote=JSwan;5853819]Jaeger - no. From what I remember this person was in need and people just gave money. No tax exempt entity was involved.
[/quote]
It was to provide a nest egg through a fund through a national charitable organization.
But sheesh, it’s been too long, I don’t remember all the details - other than the little bit of knowledge: you get something in return you can’t deduct it from your taxes.
