A church received a letter from the IRS.
The preacher opened and read how they were inquiring on one of the church members they were auditing. They wanted to know if the previous year, he had made a donation to the church for $500. The preacher called the member, explained the contents of letter and said he would be right over to pickup a $500 check for the church.
All’s well that ends well.
Because of the pandemic, this year has been especially hard on everyone, including our local businesses, schools and those caring for others. We have all been stretched to the breaking point. This is true for helping organizations, nonprofits and churches in our community. Toward the end of the year, many come together and give to help their neighbors experience the joy of the holidays. With all the hardships, will this year be different?
Churches and nonprofits depend on what we call “year-end giving.” At the end of the year – because of the holidays – members and supporters offer second mile gifts to support helping others.
This year, we all get a gift.
The CARES Act brought relief to many people. One benefit of the act many do not know about is the universal tax deduction for donations. Nine out of ten people do not itemize on their income taxes. This year – and this year only – if you give gifts to churches and nonprofits that amount up to $300, your adjusted gross income will be reduced by $300. This is even if you do not itemize and use the standard deduction. For married couples, the amount is $600. The $300 does not have to be given all at once or to any particular church or charity.
Three hundred may not sound like a lot. Yet, Gideon defeated a large army of Midianites with just 300 men. If you support one of Robbinsville’s thrift stores with a donation, get a receipt. If you give to one of our nonprofits that help people during the holidays, fights cancer, helps people in recovery, acts as a big brother or sister or helps families stay fed, get a receipt and hopefully, a big thank you. I have always believed people do not give because of tax deductions. They give because they love God, people and want to make a difference in the community and the world. Please, if you are able, support one of our local charities. But, make sure you get a receipt and avoid a letter from the IRS and a phone call from the preacher.
GivingTuesday – a day of generosity – is Tuesday, Dec. 1. It is a day to give back to our community and do good. Whether you drop an item off to one of the thrift stores, give a monetary donation to one of our helping organizations, help a neighbor or wear a mask.
Please give and help us stand united together.
Eric Reece is the faith columnist for The Graham Star. He is the pastor of Robbinsville United Methodist Church.