Mounted search and rescue

[Una Smith <una.smith@att.net>]

Deby Brown wrote:
>Is your horse trailer and truck and everything deductible from
>your taxes?

I could easily use the truck, trailer, and horse exclusively for
MSAR or other charitable purposes, in which case I could claim
(and if audited by the IRS, defend) an income tax deduction for
all my expenses.  Except that I do not itemize deductions;  I
take the standard deduction.  You can claim a deduction only if
you itemize.

My understanding of the relevant IRS publications, confirmed in
discussion with a senior IRS exempt organizations officer, is that
you can claim a deduction even if the organization is not recognized
by the IRS as a 501(c)(3);  the organization's purpose and major
activities must be charitable.  Organizations with annual receipts
normally under $5000 can operate as 501(c)(3) without ever filing
IRS form 1023.  You can also claim a deduction for your charitable
activity in which no formal organization is involved.

If you deduct a lot, you will increase your likelihood of being
audited, so you should keep very complete and organized records.

        Una Smith
        New Mexico