Donating blood - is it tax deductible?

Another unusual tax question – I tend to get them at this time of year!

A taxpayer can generally take a deduction for a charitable contribution of a noncash item such as used clothing or an old car.  So why not blood?  You can sell your blood to a commercial blood bank, so why shouldn’t you receive a deduction for donating this valuable commodity to a recognized charity such as the American Red Cross?

The IRS says “no”. In fact, the issue is specifically addressed on page 1 of publication 526. (Maybe the IRS became tired of reviewing tax returns where such a deduction was claimed.) So you should feel good about helping individuals in need when you donate blood, but you will not receive a tax deduction.

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