Tax Tip of the Day

According to IRS Publication 526 (the one about charitable contributions you can deduct, duh) there are some tax benefits for those of in certain kinds of industries, such as:

"Expenses of Whaling Captains
Beginning in 2005, you may be able to deduct as a charitable contribution the reasonable and necessary whaling expenses paid during the year in carrying out sanctioned whaling activities"

Comments

Amanda said…
Wow - What a relief! Now I can search for orca without the financial burdens that could ruin the adventure.
CGrim said…
Most charitable organizations should say right on the receipt that contributions are tax-deductible. (Usually with some line about how you didn't get any significant goods/services in exchange for your donation.) Or they may have a line about being a 501(c)3 organization, which means the same thing.

When filling out your tax return, don't forget to deduct:
- charitable contributions
- interest paid on mortgages or student loans
- moving expenses (if you moved for a job *cough* Matt)
- property taxes paid (on real estate, or in Kentucky, your car)
- Yearly medical expenses that exceed a certain percentage (7% I think) of your income
- Standard deductions ($3300 per person I think)

ALSO, for married types living in Kentucky, if given the option of "Filing Jointly" or "Filing Separately on a Combined Return," the latter could increase your state return significantly.
Pete said…
Thanks for actually contributing useful advice to this tip. I can attest to the "Filing Separately on a Combined Return" thing. We got well over $100 extra dollars back just by checking that box in TurboTax
CGrim said…
Yeah, same here. It helps that Turbo Tax even tells you that you'll probably get more money back. Although I did check it both ways.

It seems like you're getting away with something, though, doesn't it?

Here's the actual law, I guess the difference is just in the math. I wonder when it's ever advantageous to do it the other way?

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