Charitable contributions are entered on Schedule A (Form 1040), Lines 11-12. To be deductible, a contribution must be made to a qualified organization. See the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search tool for a searchable list of qualified organizations.

Donation Assistant

TaxAct Deluxe, Premier and Self-Employed users can quickly and easily enter information for donated items using the Donation Assistant. Donation Assistant provides you with the certified resale values of over 1,300 items so you can accurately determine how much the donated item is worth. The information you enter will automatically flow to the appropriate form in your tax return. If you need help accessing Donation Assistant in the TaxAct program, go to our Donation Assistant FAQ.

To enter deductible contributions in the TaxAct program without using the donation assistant, follow the steps below.

Online

Dashboards

1. From within your TaxAct return, click Deductions & Credits.
• On smaller devices, click the menu at the top left corner of your screen, then make your selection. 
2. Expand the Charitable Donations section and choose Add beside Donations to Charity. 
3. Follow the interview process to enter your charitable contributions and calculate your deductible charitable contribution amount.

Classic Navigation

1. From within your TaxAct return, click Federal.
• On smaller devices, click the menu at the top left corner of your screen, then make your selection. 
2. Click the Itemized or Standard Deductions drop-down, then click Charitable contributions.
3. Follow the interview process to enter your charitable contributions and calculate your deductible charitable contribution amount.

Desktop

1. From within your TaxAct return, click Federal.
2. Click the Itemized or Standard Deductions drop-down, then click Charitable contributions.
3. Follow the interview process to enter your charitable contributions and calculate your deductible charitable contribution amount.

Contributions must be verified: All donations, regardless of the amount, must be supported by a bank record or in writing from the charity. The written communication must include the name of the charity, the date of the contribution, and the amount of the contribution. You do not need to attach the supporting documentation to your return, but you should keep it with your tax records.

Additional information needed for donations over $500: If items in a donation exceed $500, the IRS requires that you report additional information, including the date you acquired the item. If you're entering a group of items that were acquired at different times, you can enter "Various" for the Date Acquired.

See IRS Publication 526 for examples and requirements.

Related Links

• Deductible Charitable Contributions and Gifts