Changes to the tax law in 2018 have taken away most people’s ability to deduct charitable contributions. But there are still a few options to consider in order to give and still receive.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) went into effect on Jan. 1. It will take several years to figure out all of the winners and losers, but some of the obvious losers are universities, charities, churches and foundations. Basically, any organizations that offer a tax benefit for giving and, by extension, their donors.
Due to the higher standard deduction, the $10,000 cap on state and local tax deductions, and other changes, fewer than 10% of taxpayers are expected to itemize in the 2018 tax year. That’s down from 30% now. Without itemized deductions, most people will lose all tax benefits associated with charitable giving. So, the question is, how much do people care about the tax break? According to Charity Navigator, 12% of annual giving occurs in the last three days of the year. I’d say the answer is clear.
