U.S. Reps. Blake Moore (R-UT) and Carol Miller (R-WV) recently offered bipartisan legislation that would extend and expand the expired charitable deduction for Americans who don’t itemize on their tax returns.
The Charitable Act, H.R. 801, which Rep. Moore sponsored on Jan. 28 alongside three original cosponsors, including Rep. Miller and U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH), would raise the previous $300/$600 cap on the non-itemizer deduction to one-third of the standard deduction, equal to roughly $4,500 for individuals or $9,000 for joint filers, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
“The Charitable Act will enable more Americans to give back by empowering all individuals regardless of their income to contribute by helping charities, nonprofits, and religious organizations provide vital services that go far beyond the government’s reach,” Rep. Moore said. “I am honored to introduce legislation that will help more people contribute to the causes closest to their hearts.”
Rep. Miller pointed out that people should not have to worry about paying taxes on their contributions.
“I am joining my colleagues in introducing the Charitable Act which will ensure that individuals, no matter their income, can receive a charitable deduction and in turn will continue donating to organizations, churches, or other good causes to help those within their communities or across the country,” said the congresswoman.
The bill has been endorsed by more than 100 nonprofits in Utah, and numerous national and other organizations also support the measure, including the National Council of Nonprofits, the Charitable Giving Coalition, the YMCA, the American Endowment Foundation, the Association of Art Museum Directors, the American Heart Association, Boys and Girls Club of America, March of Dimes, and Habitat for Humanity.
“Supporting local communities and giving to charities is integral to enhancing the lives of all Americans and the causes they care most about,” added Rep. Moore.
U.S. Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) introduced the companion legislation in the Senate.