Generally, those who take the standard deduction cannot claim a deduction for their charitable contributions. However, a temporary law change allows them to claim a limited deduction on their 2021 federal income tax returns for cash contributions made to qualifying charitable organizations.

Individual tax filers, including married individuals filing separate returns, can claim a deduction of up to $300 for cash contributions made to qualifying charities during 2021 under this provision. Married individuals filing joint returns can now claim a maximum deduction of $600.

Contributions made by check, credit card, or debit card, and amounts incurred by an individual for unreimbursed out-of-pocket expenses in connection with their volunteer services to a qualifying charitable organization refer to cash contributions. They do not include the value of volunteer services, securities, household items, or other property. Taxpayers must donate to a qualified charity to receive a deduction. The IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search tool can help check the status of a charity.

The IRS has informed that contributions made to supporting organizations or establishing or maintaining a donor-advised fund do not qualify for a deduction. Further, contributions carried forward from prior years or contributions to most private foundations and most cash contributions to charitable remainder trusts do not qualify. Finally, special recordkeeping rules apply to taxpayers who claim a charitable contribution deduction which includes obtaining an acknowledgment letter from the charity before filing a return and retaining a cancelled check or credit card receipt for cash contributions.