Highlights from the newsletter

• Retirement Organization News  
  Dues vs Donations - Several articles are presented from various institutions on whether they consider the fees paid for membership in the organization as dues or a donation.  While ASURA did not have an article in this newsletter regarding this topic, Will Stasi (past ASURA President) did provide an explanation of how ASURA views the fee paid for the annual membership - “A few years back ASURA changed the wording on membership renewal form and specifically removed the word "Dues." The money is deposited with the ASU Foundation a non-profit 501 3(c) organization. ASU Foundation provides you a receipt for the donation. Arizona State IRS allows a standard deduction and a deduction for membership based on not receiving a lunch, T-Shirt or monetary value item in return. The vocabulary word "Dues' or "FEE" is not allowed as a contribution with any organization. Mileage incurred in volunteering with ASURA or any volunteer non-profit organization is also deductible. These deductions go on page 3 of the AZ 140 tax form along with any other contributions still using the standard deduction. This is deducted from earned income and reduces your tax bill. If you do not owe taxes, you change your deduction for the following year. The contribution has a (5) year carry forward option. Till the year you owe taxes then will reduce tax paid. Maybe other states also provide a method for charitable deductions. and still use the standard deduction. The key is "STATE UNIVERSITIES" and probably not "  
• Retirement Trends and Resources
  Next Career Chapter - Impact Not Exhaustion
  More Workers Now Providing Eldercare than Childcare