Gifts of Cash, Checks, and Credit Cards

A cash gift entitles you to a charitable income-tax deduction for the amount of your gift. You may deduct up to 60% of your adjusted gross income for the year of your gift. If all deductible gifts in a year exceed the 60% limit, you may carry the excess amount over as a deduction for up to five more years.

Example: Joan has an adjusted gross income of $100,000 this year. She uses some of her cash investments to make a special gift of $75,000. She may deduct $60,000 this year and carry forward the remaining $15,000. Assuming her income the following year is at least $25,000, she could deduct the amount carried forward on her return for that year.

Pledges
Pledges provide you an opportunity to make a larger gift than you otherwise thought possible by committing your gift over a period of three to five years, or more in some cases. Ideally, your pledge should be documented in writing.

How It Works

1. You transfer cash to Catholic Charities—via a check through the mail or online by debit or credit card
2. Catholic Charities can put your gift to immediate use or add it to an endowed fund if you so specify
3. You receive a charitable deduction

Benefits

• Your gift is made simply and quickly
• You receive a federal income-tax deduction
• You provide immediate support for Catholic Charities