CARES Act allows extra tax advantages for giving till Dec. 31
While much of the government funding for coronavirus relief has been focused on helping individuals and businesses, several lesser-known provisions aim to stimulate philanthropy through increased tax incentives around charitable giving for both individuals and corporations.
As you contemplate maximizing the impact of your year-end giving, consider taking advantage of these provisions of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act:
Deduct $300 in charitable giving, even if you don’t itemize. This year, taxpayers who do not itemize can deduct up to $300 ($600 for married couples filing jointly) in charitable giving “above the line,” reducing your taxable income by that amount for tax year 2020. Most taxpayers do not itemize and, therefore, do not typically benefit from charitable deductions, which can lower your adjusted gross income, thereby reducing your tax base. The CARES Act changes that for 2020, making it attractive for moderate-income individuals to help nonprofits with critical needs.
Deduct more of your AGI. In 2020, taxpayers can deduct up to 100 percent of their AGI for charitable cash contributions, compared to the normal 60 percent maximum And, if an individual or couple happens to donate more than 100 percent of their AGI, the standard five-year carryover still applies. If you are considering making a major gift, now is the time to make it happen for a significantly increased tax benefit.
Deduct more of your corporate taxable income. Similar to individual taxpayers, corporations can deduct up to 25 percent of taxable income for charitable contributions in tax year 2020, compared to the usual 10 percent.
Of course, even these modest incentives come with a few strings attached. First, charitable contributions in all three situations are limited to cash contributions, no in-kind gifts, appreciate stock or other real property. Second, gifts to private foundations and donor-advised funds, such as those held at the Delaware Community Foundation, are not eligible. However, gifts are eligible to other DCF funds, including scholarship funds, designated funds, nonprofit funds and giving circles such as the Fund for Women and the African American Empowerment Fund.
Time is running out. All of these provisions end Thursday, Dec. 31. If you are associated with a nonprofit, make sure your donors know about these giving incentives. If you are associated with a corporate giving program, this is a great year to increase your charitable giving. And if you are able to dig deep and increase your personal giving this year, you will not only make a meaningful difference in your community during this year like no other, but also benefit from some tax savings,
To make a year-end cash gift to a fund or program at the Delaware Community Foundation, go to delcf.org/ways-to-give/.
Tax information provided here is general and educational, and should not be construed as legal or tax advice. Consult your tax advisors before making major financial decisions.
