Deductibility

Duke University qualifies as a “public” charitable organization and meets the requirements of Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3). Gifts to Duke are deductible at the highest limits allowed for federal income or estate tax purposes.

Estate Tax Deductions

Testamentary gifts are deductible at 100 percent of the value of the assets donated to Duke.

Income Tax Deductions

You may deduct gifts of cash (or elect to deduct only the cost basis of an appreciated asset) up to 50 percent of your adjusted gross income in a year. Gifts of appreciated assets may be deducted up to 30 percent of your adjusted gross income. Excess deductions may be carried over for up to five additional years.

Tax Benefits

The tax benefits associated with specific types of gifts are included throughout the Gift Plan in Details section of our website:

• Life Income Gifts
• Charitable Lead Trusts
• Bequests, Retirement Accounts and Other Testamentary Gifts

Gifts to the Iron Dukes

The IRS allows a deduction on contributions where there is no benefit to the donor. Receipt of priority consideration for the purchase of tickets at an athletic event will reduce your deduction to 80 percent of the value of your gift. Note that federal law prohibits use of gifts from a donor advised fund or private foundation if tangible benefits, such as priority consideration for the purchase of tickets at an athletic event, are received. 

If you would like to support the Iron Dukes and waive any benefits you would otherwise receive, please indicate this desire in correspondence included with your contribution. For questions about the deductibility of your gift to the Iron Dukes, please contact your personal tax advisor.

IRS.gov

The Internal Revenue Service Contributions (Topic 506) webpage includes links to documentation forms and publications, including:

• IRS Publication 526 (Charitable Contributions)
• IRS Publication 561 (Determining the Value of Donated Property)
• IRS Form 8283-Noncash Charitable Contributions