Change gives donors an easy tax deduction

Thinking of making a donation to a charitable cause before the end of the year? This is a good time to do it, as the pandemic rages again. Plus, you can take a deduction for contributions in 2020, even if you don't itemize on your income tax return.

Under the CARES Act, part of the federal government's pandemic relief program that passed in March, individual taxpayers can take a deduction of up to $300 for cash donations made in 2020 when they file their tax return in the spring.

Typically, you can deduct charitable donations only if you itemize your personal deductions, rather than taking the standard deduction. With changes in the federal tax code in 2017, through the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the vast majority of taxpayers now take the standard deduction.

The law roughly doubled the standard deduction and did away with some itemized deductions. For the tax year 2018, just 11% of filers itemized, according to the Internal Revenue Service. (For 2020, the standard deduction is $12,400 for single filers, and $24,800 for married couples filing jointly.)

While the change simplified tax filing for many people, it removed a financial incentive for some people to donate. Some nonprofit organizations have felt the pinch, said Gil Nusbaum, general counsel at the National Philanthropic Trust, which provides expertise to donors and foundations. "Grassroots charities were disproportionately affected," he said.

The new "universal" deduction makes it easier for people to receive a tax benefit for giving. Because the deduction is taken "above the line," it reduces, by up to $300, your adjusted gross income — an important number because it determines your eligibility for tax credits and other deductions.

There are some details to keep in mind. To qualify for the deduction, the donation must be made in cash (paying by check or credit card is OK); stock, volunteer hours or donated goods don't qualify. And the donation must be made to a qualified, 501(c)(3) public charity. Gifts to private foundations or individuals aren't eligible.

Particularly in areas of deep poverty, $300 can make a significant impact, said Michael Faye, CEO and co-founder of GiveDirectly, a nonprofit that supports cash transfers to those in need so they can choose what to buy. In Kenya, he said, 75 cents a day lifts a person above the poverty line.

The average donation at a fundraising gala might be $125 to $150, said Afi Tengue, vice president of philanthropy and impact at Giving Compass, which helps donors research issues and make contributions. In that context, she said, "$300 is a big deal."

Here are some questions and answers about charitable donations.

Q: Is the $300 universal deduction in the CARES Act permanent?

A: The deduction is temporary, for tax year 2020 only. (Congress sometimes extends temporary tax provisions, and nonprofit organizations would like to see that happen, so stay tuned.)

A: The IRS has not yet made clear whether the law allows a $300 deduction per taxpayer or per tax return. Cari Weston of the American Institute of CPAs said that most tax professionals would probably advise clients to be "conservative" and deduct no more than $300 per return.

Q: How should I decide where to donate?

A: Choosing where to spend your money is a personal decision, but tools are available to help you decide.

Phil Buchanan, president of the Center for Effective Philanthropy, suggested supporting community foundations, which are deeply familiar with local needs and probably have funds dedicated to dealing with COVID-19. To find one in your area, the Council on Foundations offers an online search tool.

If you are looking toward rebuilding beyond the current crisis, he suggested that you consider supporting local performing-arts organizations, which have been hit hard by the evaporation of ticket sales.

People seeking to make donations over time might consider starting or joining "giving circles," she said, in which groups of like-minded people pool money and choose organizations to support. Two sites to try: Philanthropy Together and Grapevine.