As we enter the giving season, there is an additional reason to be charitable. Congress enacted a special provision that allows more people a deduction of up to $300 in donations to a qualifying charity this year without itemizing deductions.
Since the increase in the standard income tax deduction in 2018, only 11 percent of taxpayers itemize deductions, so fewer taxpayers take advantage of the charitable deduction. But to both encourage and reward giving in this difficult year, as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act Congress created a one-time $300 charitable deduction for people who do not itemize on their tax returns. To qualify, you must give cash (including paying by check or credit card) to a 501(c)(3) charity. Gifts of goods or stock do not qualify.
While $300 may not seem like much, it can make a big difference to smaller charities. And a lot of $300 gifts can add up. One thing that’s not clear is whether a married couple filing jointly can deduct $600. While it’s logical that they should be able to do so, the IRS has not clarified this yet. With just four weeks left in the year, time is a-wasting.
For more information from the IRS about the tax deduction, click here.
Visit our news archive for other CARES Act tax benefits.