Generally, you can only deduct charitable contributions if you itemize deductions on Schedule A (Form 1040), Itemized Deductions. First, you'll need to itemize to claim a charitable tax deduction.Enter the entity name and identifying number from the tax return where the noncash charitable contribution was originally reported, if different from above. To claim charitable donations, you'll need to itemize your deductions on your tax return instead of taking the standard deduction. Nonitemizers get an expanded benefit. I've managed payroll for 3 different entities with charitable giving such as this and none were pretax. Can you claim deductible charitable contributions if you have already taken a standard deduction? To deduct charitable donations, you must itemize them on an IRS Schedule A form. On this return he claimed the standard deduction and did not claim any deduction for charitable contributions. San Antonio, TX 78283-0248.