GUIDELINES FOR CHARITABLE GIFTS OF GRAIN

Taxpayers should always consult with their tax preparer to determine the tax implication prior to making a gift. The following is not to be construed as specific tax advice. These are guidelines to assist in the mechanics of making charitable gifts of agricultural commodities.

  • The farmer can exclude the sale of the cash crop from income and deduct the cost of growing the crop. There is no deduction for a charitable contribution.
  • Available for cash basis farmers.
  • Crop share landlords cannot gift grain. Shares of crop are rental income that must be reported as income on their tax return.
  • The farmer must give up “dominion and control” of the commodity.
  • The farmer cannot sell the grain and order the proceeds to be sent to the charity. This would result in the transaction being considered a cash sale and cash donation since the farmer has not given up control of the property.
  • The farmer should not provide guidance to the charity regarding the sale of the commodity.
  • The charity assumes the risk after the transfer. These risks include storage, transportation and marketing costs as well as price risk.
  • The transaction must be well documented to show the charity as the owner (i.e. commodity is delivered and a warehouse receipt executed to the charity, or notarized letter of transfer for crops stored on the farm).
  • Grain can be donated in the year of production or a subsequent year.
  • Grain can be gifted at any time during the tax year.
  • The gift should be from unsold crop inventory. No sale commitment should be made prior to the gift.
  • The charity should retain the warehouse receipt and the original invoice showing the charity as the seller.

Steps

  • Contact Pastor Chris at the church office at (308) 234-1881 to arrange for your delivery location to have our information.
  • Farmer delivers grain to the elevator (or bin).
  • Farmer asks elevator to transfer X number of bushels to charity.
  • Charity authorizes sale and collects proceeds from commodity.
  • Farmer includes production expenses on tax return (in year paid) but not the sale of gifted bushels. The farmer does not take a charitable contribution itemized deduction on the amount of the sale.