Did you know

[Cindy]

Hey Gang, off on another subject! Did you know that any dues paid to Not for Profit organizations like the CDS, NACD, and the new Cave Divers Museum and Library are TAX DEDUCTABLE! Add up all the money you give at work, church and in dues to these organizations (I pay out to three cave diving organizations, two dry caving, three CSO and two conservation groups). Shoot I work an extra day or two each year to pay those dues. I darn well better get some perk! You all will thank me for this little reminder in April. Cindy

[John L.]

I quit paying the church dues, and now it goes to sustaining membership in NACD, and NSS-CDS dues. I have my priorties in order.

[amphipod06]

Hey, you hit the nail on the head!! I go to church underwater every weekend, the domes in these cathedrals are awesome if not well lit to commune with nature and the cave gods. Does that count? The tithe to the NSS CDS and the Park Service is worth the peace and relaxation...

Dive safe,

Celia

[DeWayne]

Hey Gang, off on another subject! Did you know that any dues paid to Not for Profit organizations like the CDS, NACD, and the new Cave Divers Museum and Library are TAX DEDUCTABLE! Add up all the money you give at work, church and in dues to these organizations (I pay out to three cave diving organizations, two dry caving, three CSO and two conservation groups). Shoot I work an extra day or two each year to pay those dues. I darn well better get some perk! You all will thank me for this little reminder in April. Cindy

Just F.Y.I., I do taxes.

Bill Rotella, CPA

What are taxes? Oh yeah, that nightmare you must endure when you work 8)

[Capt Tim]

Is there a cite in the IRS Code for reference on this. I beleive I remember from years ago my accontant was very clear that I could only claim dues and expenses for 501C3 approved goups when I was an elected officer of those groups (not appointed).

[Cindy]

So all those folks claiming write off's for chruch and boy scoots are cheating? Cindy 8)

[caver]

Hey Gang, off on another subject! Did you know that any dues paid to Not for Profit organizations like the CDS, NACD, and the new Cave Divers Museum and Library are TAX DEDUCTABLE! Add up all the money you give at work, church and in dues to these organizations (I pay out to three cave diving organizations, two dry caving, three CSO and two conservation groups). Shoot I work an extra day or two each year to pay those dues. I darn well better get some perk! You all will thank me for this little reminder in April. Cindy

Cindy,,,,,the company I work for has a 3 for 1 matching program for when employees donate money to a not-for-profit organization....I am not a member of NACD or NSS, but would like to make a gift to each. Also, the organization, "Friends of Peacock Springs",,are they the same? I believe the only requirement is that the organization be a 501C, or something like that, I may have the tax number wrong. Please PM me info.

My fraternal lodge is a Not-for-Profit, Charitable organization (Free and Accepted Masons), and I have been told in no uncertain terms that my dues are NOT tax-deductable. But I'm no expert.

[Capt Tim]

So all those folks claiming write off's for chruch and boy scoots are cheating? Cindy 8)

I'm only making an observation of what I believe I remember from several years ago. The rules change frequently and from the latest Pub 526 there is a slightly different opinion. Dues is different from contributions, and expenses. Everyone can do what they want on their taxes as it's up to them to prove if questioned. As for me, I read Pub 526 different from what you are advising.

****FROM PUB 526 - START*******
Membership fees or dues. You may be able to deduct membership fees or dues you pay to a qualified organization. However, you can deduct only the amount that is more than the value of the benefits you receive. You cannot deduct dues, fees, or assessments paid to country clubs and other social organizations. They are not qualified organizations.
****FROM PUB 526 - END*******

[Capt Tim]

My fraternal lodge is a Not-for-Profit, Charitable organization (Free and Accepted Masons), and I have been told in no uncertain terms that my dues are NOT tax-deductable. But I'm no expert.

Hi Sludge,

Same here. My lodge is 501C3 qualified and I received my guidance from the Grand Lodge folks. I was only able to deduct dues when running the chairs. Contributions and certain expenses are allowed within limits; dues were always considered not allowed unless a requirement to fulfil your elected office.

We have lots of smart CPA and other legal types on this forum; how about other input??? Anyone on here work for the IRS??? What are your opinions???