The store takes your donation, then they donate it and take all the credit.

“Store name” donated $1 million to XYZ Charity.

Not only do they get the credit, they also get tax benefits from the donation.

I don’t think they can get a tax break, but they definitely get the media attention.

They totally do, at least in the USA they do. Well documented corporate practice.

Assuming the business is following the law, it will not include your donation as part of its business receipts, or income, nor will it claim the charitable gift as an expense. 

In other words, your gift has zero impact on the store’s income taxes. Keep in mind that the store chooses the receiving charity, so make sure it is one you can support. As a customer, the donation will appear on your receipt and you can claim it as a charitable deduction when you file your income tax return.

taxpolicycenter.org/…/who-gets-tax-benefit-those-…

The receipt thing is a lifeprotip. I didn’t know that.

I always donate directly to organizations because I didn’t think I could get taxes back on it if you donate in a store.

Thank you.

IANAL! Double check.

I prefer “NSA” to “IANAL” because"No soy abogado" means “I’m not a lawyer” in spanish, which is nice because then we don’t have to inadvertently think OP just told everyone he engages in anal sex every time we see the acronym.

But then people just think you’re a dirty government spy. I prefer “IDPL” for “I don’t practice law” because it’s fun to pronounce.