FAQs
When you donate to Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, you receive the benefit of knowing you're helping to promote alternative transportation in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and educational opportunities for school students. But you're also receiving the benefit of a deduction to apply to your taxes.
Here are some answers to common questions about charity and tax deductions. Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad provides this information for your convenience. However it is important that you consult your own tax or financial advisor before making personal financial decisions.
- I receive tickets with my membership. What trips can I use them for?
Members can enjoy a select number of tickets for any regularly scheduled scenic excursion. These tickets are not valid for special events such as wine-tasting trains, beer-tasting trains, The Polar Express™, Day Out With Thomas™, or Total Track Tours. Scenic excursions refer to any of our regularly scheduled trains. Schedule your own adventure! For a detailed list of dates and times, please refer to the Destinations and Fares section of our website or call 800-468-4070.
- When does my membership expire?
Membership gifts are renewable annually and expire a year from the date the donation was made.
- When I make a charitable contribution to CVSR, is that contribution tax-deductible?
Absolutely! Donations qualify for 501(c)(3) non-profit status from the IRS — and that means every donation you give counts as a tax-deductible donation. It's one of the ways CVSR makes giving easier and smarter for you. When you make a donation through our web page site, be sure to save and/or print the confirmation e-mail you receive from CVSR for your tax records. Your confirmation e-mail will tell you how much is deductible.
- I want my giving to be deductible for this tax year. Do I need to make a donation by a certain time?
Yes. Any donation you made between January 1 and December 31 will qualify as a deduction for that year. The good news is that you can donate on CVSR’s webpage any day of the week, 24 hours a day. So it's easy to get in that last-minute donation.
- When I donate, will I get a receipt?
When you donate to CVSR, you will always receive a confirmation e-mail, which will serve as your receipt. You also can print the confirmation page that appears on your computer screen after you've completed your contribution—that can also serve as a receipt. You should always keep a hard copy of your receipt for your tax records.
Your charitable giving will help so many — and work to your advantage as well. We hope that you'll consider a donation this year, and let Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad make it easier to reap the benefits at tax time. And, your donation supports the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad and our Partner, Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
For further information on membership or giving to CVSR, please contact the Director of Development at membership@cvsr.com or call (330) 657-1906.