Under pre-Act law, special rules applied to certain payments to institutions of higher education in exchange for which the payor receives the right to purchase tickets or seating at an athletic event. The payor could treat 80% of a payment as a charitable contribution where: (1) the amount was paid to or for the benefit of an institution of higher education (i.e., generally, a school with a regular faculty and curriculum and meeting certain other requirements); and (2) such amount would be allowable as a charitable deduction but for the fact that the taxpayer receives (directly or indirectly) as a result of the payment the right to purchase tickets for seating at an athletic event in an athletic stadium of such institution.

New law. For contributions made in tax years beginning after Dec. 31, 2017, no charitable deduction is allowed for any payment to an institution of higher education in exchange for which the payor receives the right to purchase tickets or seating at an athletic event.

January 26, 2018 12:00 pm