How to Deduct Church Tithing From Taxes

How to Deduct Church Tithing From Taxes
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If you make tithes to your church, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers those amounts charitable contributions. Charitable contributions are allowed as deductions on Form 1040 Schedule A along with other itemized deductions, such as mortgage interest paid and property taxes paid. If your itemized deductions are greater than the standard deduction allowed based on your filing status, then your tithes can be used as a deduction on your federal tax return.

Print a copy of Form 1040 Schedule A from the IRS website.

Obtain an annual statement from your church that provides the total amount of your tithes or create a list that includes the date and amount of each tithe.

Enter the total amount of the tithes plus any other charitable donations made by cash or check in the Gifts to Charity section of the Form 1040 Schedule A.

Enter your other allowed itemized deductions on Schedule A and complete all the calculations required on the form.

Compare the total itemized deductions on Schedule A to the allowed standard deduction for the tax-filing year based on your filing status. If your itemized deductions are greater than the standard deduction, transfer the itemized deduction total to Form 1040 to reduce your adjusted gross income.

Tips

  • If you are unsure how to itemize deductions on Schedule A, a tax professional can assist you.