We donated over $8,500.00 to a non-501c3 church in 2011. Can we claim these donations on our taxes?

Donation is itemized deduction. Yes, you can claim itemized deduction instead of standard deduction.

The state and local income taxes are also deductible as itemized deductions.

This applies whether you are filing as a resident (Form 1040) or as a non-resident (Form 1040NR).

Churches are not required to obtain 501(c)(3) status, and yet donations may still be tax deductible as long as the church meets the basic requirements for charitable giving:

- the organization must be organized and operated exclusively for religious, educational, scientific, or other charitable purposes,
- net earnings may not inure to the benefit of any private individual or shareholder,
- no substantial part of its activity may be attempting to influence legislation,
- the organization may not intervene in political campaigns, and
- the organization’s purposes and activities may not be illegal or violate fundamental public policy.

Assuming the church is not in violation of any of these rules, then yes - your donations ate tax-deductible on Schedule A.