NIL collective donations
$0
Can You Write Off NIL Collective Donations?
Short answer: Usually no: most NIL collectives aren't charities, and the IRS says payments that benefit specific athletes don't qualify.
Check the collective's 501(c)(3) status first. Itemizers deduct gifts to 501(c)(3) charities (from 2026, only the part above 0.5% of AGI); non-itemizers can deduct up to $1,000 ($2,000 joint) of cash gifts starting in 2026.
Records to keep: Keep receipts, statements (1098, 1098-T, 1099, W-2G), and a note of what each cost was for. Compare itemizing to the 2026 standard deduction before you claim.
NIL collective donations
$0
Individuals / Personal Taxes
Usually no: most NIL collectives aren't charities, and the IRS says payments that benefit specific athletes don't qualify.
Business justification
Usually no: most NIL collectives aren't charities, and the IRS says payments that benefit specific athletes don't qualify. Check the collective's 501(c)(3) status first. Itemizers deduct gifts to 501(c)(3) charities (from 2026, only the part above 0.5% of AGI); non-itemizers can deduct up to $1,000 ($2,000 joint) of cash gifts starting in 2026.
Category
- Personal Tax Deductions