22 Mar Are bowling league fees deductible?
Photo: gtrfrkbob/morguefile.comQ. I’m in a bowling league with a religious organization. Can I deduct part of the costs? I made the payment to the religious organization.
— Looking for deductions
A. You may get some strikes when you’re bowling, but this time, you’re going to strike out.
Charitable donations can be a great way to lower your tax burden, but in this case, it won’t work the way you’re hoping.
A payment to a religious organization is only a deductible charitable donation if it is a gift to, or for the use of, a qualified organization, said Laurie Wolfe, a certified public accountant with Lassus Wherley in New Providence.
“If you pay over and above the cost of the bowling activity as a gift to the organization, then that portion could be deductible.” Wolfe said.
If that’s the case, she recommends you seek an acknowledgement from the organization that spells out the charitable portion of your payment.
Email your questions to .
This story was first posted in March 2016.
NJMoneyHelp.com presents certain general financial planning principles and advice, but should never be viewed as a substitute for obtaining advice from a personal professional advisor who understands your unique individual circumstances.