Money for something--The Virginia political donation tax credit
By: AnOrangeDem
Published On: 10/10/2007 5:56:20 PM
Was writing a check to the Northam campaign last night and noticed the obligatory disclaimer on their website about contributions not being deductible for federal taxation purposes. This got me thinking . . . how come no campaign or website like RK ever hypes the tax credit for contributions to Virginia candidates for local or state office under Code of Virginia Section 58.1-339.6.
It's a minimal amount, $50 max for a married couple, but as a credit affects the bottom line of your return and can act in effect to increase your refund.
I know it's motivated me to seek out a campaign to which to contribute over the years. Can't believe I'm the only one.
Anybody else out there ever heard of it?
Comments
Never heard of it (Pain - 10/10/2007 6:08:21 PM)
But I'll certainly look into it since I've given more the past few years than I have in my whole life. Better take every advantage I can get.
Link (KCinDC - 10/10/2007 6:19:48 PM)
Here's the text. Not that I can use it, but I'll make sure my Virginia relatives are aware of it. I don't know that they've donated to any nonfederal Virginia candidates, though.
Note that I don't think ActBlue counts (cvllelaw - 10/10/2007 7:44:54 PM)
Contributions to a candidate through ActBlue are actually contributions to ActBlue, not to state candidates. If you want to make a contribution to your candidate and claim the credit, go to their website and contribute directly.
I don't think that's right (KCinDC - 10/11/2007 12:02:20 AM)
When DC for Democracy gets contributions through ActBlue, we report those contributions as coming from the individual contributors, not from ActBlue. ActBlue is organized as a PAC, but it's not collecting donations to itself and then making donations out of those funds as a PAC.
Maybe (KCinDC - 10/11/2007 12:04:58 AM)
Looks like
it depends on the state:
For the purposes of contribution limits, are contributions made via the ActBlue web site counted separately from other contributions?
For federal campaigns, No. Contributions made via the ActBlue website are just like contributions through other means (e.g. on a candidate's web site, through the mail, at a fundraiser). ActBlue just helps deliver your contribution to the candidate.
For state-legislature and executive campaigns, it depends. We're in the process of writing up pages about the rules in every state. Until then, please contact us if you have questions.
My contributions (Doug in Mount Vernon - 10/11/2007 11:03:39 AM)
To Kris Amundson (my delegate) and Jay Donahue were reported as ActBlue donations, not donations from me....I thought that was weird, particularly for Kris as I'd think she'd want to report on individuals form her district particularly, to demonstrate support within the district.
I tell all my clients (Vivian J. Paige - 10/10/2007 10:21:19 PM)
About this tax credit. At least it's something, although I would love for it be larger.
Yes I know (Gordie - 10/10/2007 10:52:56 PM)
BUT, I am not looking for ways to lower my taxes. I am looking for ways to improve the lives of others and my children and grand children and nieces and nephews and all children of this world.
I contribute to Democrats with no thoughts of relief from taxes, even though I know some get lost along the way, but down deep in their heart they care for humanity.
Also take it on my state return.. (Doug in Mount Vernon - 10/11/2007 11:17:47 AM)
I am always donating hundreds to thousands (depending on the year) to state or local candidates, so I always take this credit. I'm with Vivian, it'd be nice if it were a bit larger--$25 is not that much. Perhaps that's intentional....they don't want all we wealthy Northern Virginian Democrats giving too much money to all those liberal and progressive candidates! And taking tax revenue away from the state too, I suppose.