In light of the recent disasters across the Midwest, the IRS, Independent Sector and the National Council of Nonprofits issued a reminder that even non-itemizing taxpayers may take advantage of the charitable donation deduction for cash donations made before year end.

Under the temporary law enacted as part of the CARES Act pandemic relief and extended through 2021, individuals may deduct up to $300, and married couples filing jointly may deduct up to $600, for cash donations to charities that ordinarily are not allowed for taxpayers that take the standard deduction.

The IRS also reminded taxpayers that donations must be made to a qualified charity, and that its Tax Exempt Organization Search tool is available to confirm the exempt status of an organization. Finally, the IRS reminded taxpayers that they must receive an acknowledgement from the charity as well as retain a cancelled check or credit card receipt for donations over $250 prior to filing their 2021 return. For details on substantiation requirements for gifts to charity see IRS Publication 526, Charitable Contributions.