The value of the benefit received, such as dinner served at a fundraising banquet, must be subtracted. But there is a special exception for certain religious benefits. And that exception has important implications for members of the Jewish faith who will be observing the High Holy Days of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, as well as for members of other faiths who receive various religious benefits in exchange for their donations. There is no need to reduce the deduction for the value of the benefit. So if you've purchased tickets to attend worship services for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, you'll be entitled to deduct the full cost as a charitable contribution.
Most synagogues require nonmembers to purchase tickets to High Holy Day services.
Similarly, Temple members whose annual dues include admission to High Holy Day services don't have to reduce their charitable deduction for the value of the tickets. Membership dues in religious organizations are generally deductible in full. So are building fund assessments that many religious organizations impose in addition to annual membership dues. Holy Day Contributions Jews who heed their rabbi's traditional High Holy Day plea for donations will also generally find their contributions are fully deductible. The same treatment applies to religious benefits of other faiths.