Spreading Smiles on Sadieday

Happy last Sadieday of 2013!  Since our Mommy will soon be turning into the full-time tax kind of CPA (blech) instead of the full-time CPA (Cat's Purrsonal Assistant) that we enjoy most of the year, it's a good time to remind everyone that there's only a few days left to maximize your income tax deductions while bringing smiles.  Curious?

Well, of course we're talking about donating to charities.  Even if you don't itemize or need any deductions, cash donations or donations of non-cash items like cat food, dog food, toys or other helpful items to shelters, the charities would be very appreciative and your heart will be happy and a smile will be on your face!

There are ways to donate that don't require cash outlay such as cleaning out your closets and taking gently used clothes and household items to a charity run thrift shop or even taking old blankets and towels to animal shelters.  Dogs would love to sleep on your old blankets this winter!

Feel free to give us other ideas in the comments!
We hope you find plenty to smile about this Sadieday!  Be sure to spread those smiles around since you never know who's day you'll brighten with a smile!

Enjoy your Sadieay and have a great weekend!

PeeS:  If you are donating for the tax benefits, remember to get a receipt!  Your CPA will be grateful!

Very Last Minute Tax Tips For 2009

Since our mommy is a CPA (she says it means Certified Public Accountant but we know it means Cat's Personal Assistant) and since this is our last post of the year, we wanted to remind you that although charities appreciate donations all year, today is the last day for your cash or non-cash donations to count on your 2009 tax return.

Many charities accept cash donations securely online and will provide a dated receipt immediately after the donation is submitted. Donations by personal check must be in the mail today or taken to a local charity in person. You cannot deduct a cash contribution, regardless of the amount, without proper documentation. This can be in the form of a receipt from the charity, a copy of your cleared check or bank statement, or a credit card statement.

If money is tight these days, there are probably things around your home that you no longer use or want and are in good condition, that you can donate and be able to deduct the value of the items now, not what they cost new. Many communities have thrift shops that sell items to help support charities. In our town, the thrift shop we donate items to supports the local humane society and we're taking in a donation today! This is a relatively painless way to help support causes important to you while clearing your home of unwanted items. It's a win-win situation!

We hope you have a safe and Happy New Years Eve!

Tax Time is Around the Corner!

Since I am a tax accountant, tax season is on my mind but in case you don't live and breathe taxes, here's some reminders about charitable contributions - since this is near and dear to my heart. If you plan on donating cash or non-cash items to a qualified charity and deducting it on your 2008 taxes, the donation needs to be made by Wednesday, December 31st. If you donate by personal check, the check needs to be in the mail on or before December 31st. For donations by credit card, it must be charged to your card in 2008 to be deductible in 2008 so plan accordingly. You cannot deduct a cash contribution, regardless of the amount, without proper documentation. This can be in the form of a written receipt from the charity, a copy of your cleared check or bank statement, or a credit card statement.

If money is tight these days, there are probably things around your home that you no longer use or want and are in good condition, that you can donate and be able to deduct the value of the items now, not what they cost new. Many communities have thrift shops that sell items to help support charities. In our town, the thrift shop we donate items to supports the local humane society. This is a relatively painless way to help support causes important to you while clearing your home of unwanted items. It's a win-win situation!

If you received Christmas presents that you don't particularly want, rather than re-gifting, you can donate these items. Or you can exchange the item for washable dog and/or cat toys for example and donate them to a local animal shelter. Another idea is to exchange it for children's clothing and donate to a cause that helps low income families. By donating unwanted gifts, you help spread the holiday cheer to those in need and that feeling is priceless!