CARES ACT offers incentives to support charitable giving
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law March 27, 2020. In addition to providing fast and direct economic assistance for Americans regarding jobs and business, it offers incentives to encourage individuals and corporations to continue supporting their charitable interests.
Some tax considerations include:
- For non-itemizers, a $300 above-the-line deduction for cash gifts to qualified charitable organizations (no donor advised funds or supporting organizations).
- For itemizers, an increase in the deduction limit for charitable gifts of cash from 60% to 100% of AGI with a five-year carryover.
- Increased deduction limit on corporate giving from 10% to 25%.
- Increased deduction limit on gifts of food inventory to 25%.
- As always, check with your advisors for specifics regarding your situation.
What else is included in the new law?
- A one-time tax rebate of up to $1,200 for adults and $500 per child. The full rebate will be available for individuals with income up to $75,000 and married couples up to $150,000. The benefit is phased out for higher income individuals and families.
- Enhanced unemployment benefits of $600 a week for four months in addition to state benefits.
- $350 billion in relief to small businesses (including nonprofits) to help them continue operating and maintain employees.
- The CARES Act includes incentives to encourage individuals and corporations to continue supporting their charitable interests.
- Increased limits on borrowing from retirement plans; waiver of the 10% penalty for coronavirus-related early withdrawals from 401(k)s and IRAs; all RMDs suspended for 2020 tax year.