Maine taxpayers have the opportunity to donate to several worthwhile charities when they file their Maine state income tax return…if they know to use the correct form.
Using form 1040ME Schedule CP, Maine taxpayers can chose to donate to the following charities when they file their returns (you would increase your tax or reduce your refund by the amount you choose to contribute:
- Endangered & Nongame Wildlife Fund (Chickadee Check-off)
- Maine Children’s Trust
- Bone Marrow Screening Fund
- Companion Animal Sterilization Fund
- Maine Military Family Relief Fund
- Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery Maintenance Fund
- Maine Asthma & Lung Disease Research Fund
- Maine Public Library Fund
Since 1998, these check-offs have appeared on a separate form, Form CP, as opposed to the front of the Maine income tax return.
On February 2, 2013, the Portland Press Herald reported that some of these charities are in danger of being dropped from the form. If the total contributions raised by the check-off to any one charity falls below $25,000, that charity’s check-off will be eliminated from the form. According to the article, the donations from the “chickadee check-off” have fallen from a high of $129,000 in 1985 to $37,000 in 2005. Officials attribute this fall off of donations to moving the check-off to the separate schedule from the front page as well as competition from other charity check-offs.
So, if you wish to donate to any of these charities, remember to use Schedule CP on your Maine tax return, then put the total on line 31 of Form 1040ME. Remember, these contributions may be deductible on your federal income tax return if you itemize your deductions.
And if you have your tax returns prepared by your CPA, please tell him or her that you wish to make these contributions.
Mainers supporting Mainers: always worthwhile!