John M. Hoffman & Associates CPAs

Frequently Asked Tax Questions

Charitable Contributions

"Is there an appropriate amount that I should claim for charitable contributions?"

A frequently asked question. We don't know if someone is asking for a guide to their conscience or whether there is a range that the IRS accepts as normal in a given circumstance. We certainly do not try to be someone's conscience, that is not our business. Charitable giving varies from person to person irrespective of their income level. We suggest that people give at a level that they are comfortable with, that is within their financial ability, and that might satisfy their individual goals. We also suggest that people consider making concentrated charitable contributions rather than $10 to every organization that sends a solicitation by mail (much of your donation will go to sending out the next round of solicitations by mail). We are not aware of any IRS guidelines that impact audit selection or the likes.