Ask a CPA

Liquidating distributions, sometimes called liquidating dividends, are distributions you receive during a partial or complete liquidation of a corporation.
These distributions are, at least in part, one form of a return of capital.
They may be paid in one or more installments.
You will receive Form 1099-DIV from the corporation showing you the amount of the liquidating distribution in box 8 or 9
When a liquidating dividend occurs, it is considered to be a return of capital and not profit.
If the distribution is more than your basis, you would have to report the difference as a capital gain. If the distribution is less than your basis, you may be able to claim a capital loss.

You cannot deduct the value of your time or services rendered to your charitable organization.

You cannot deduct the value of blood given at a blood bank.

A partial list of acknowledged Registered organizations
Churches, temples, synagogues, mosques and other religious organizations.
Public charities such as United Way, Salvation Army, Goodwill Industries, Red Cross, Boys and Girl scouts, Boys and Girl Clubs of America, CARE etc.
War veterans' groups
Nonprofit volunteer fire companies, hospitals and schools.
Public Parks and recreation facilities.

IRS Publication 526 and 561.

There are valuation guides available to the public to calculate an amount for noncash contributions.
You can go to the Salvation Army website to view their Donated Goods Valuation Guide at www.salvationarmyusa.org

The answer is, how much did you contribute and how much can you substantiate.
For contributions of $250 or less, a cancelled check or credit card statement is sufficient.
A written acknowledgement from the charity documenting the contribution's amount and date is also acceptable
For contributions of $250 or more, you must have written substantiation from the organization. A cancelled check is not sufficient.

Improvements to your Residence are not deductible.
The costs are added to your initial cost basis to calculate your increased adjusted cost basis.
Your increased cost basis will be used in the year of sale of your residence to determine the gain on sale.
Improvements to your Rental property are deductible as a repair or a depreciable capital improvement.

Probably not, unless these expenses are business related for an occupation such as an Clown or Actor.
And not per Section 212.
IRS Section 212 expense Internal Revenue Code provides a deduction, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, for expenses incurred in investment activities.

You can include in medical itemized deductions subject to the 7.5% limitation the cost of a hearing aid plus its batteries, repairs and maintenance needed to operate it.