People who do not normally itemize their deductions (and use the standard deduction instead - starting at $12,550) typically do not keep track of their donations; 90% of taxpayers now use the standard deduction. However, in tax year 2021, individuals who do not itemize deductions may deduct up to $300/600 in charitable contributions as an addition to their standard deduction. Add up your donation receipts! This applies only to cash donations, so non-cash donations to Goodwill, Salvation Army, etc. are excluded, but they can still be deducted by those who itemize.
This deduction is limited to $300 per tax return for single filers and $600 for joint filers.
Cash contributions to most charitable organizations qualify. However, cash contributions made via GoFundMe to individuals or organizations that are not registered as charitable organizations do not qualify; neither do donations to political or donor-advised organizations.
Cash contributions include those made by check, credit card or debit card as well as amounts incurred by an individual for unreimbursed out-of-pocket expenses in connection with the individual's volunteer services to a qualifying charitable organization. Cash contributions don't include the value of volunteer services, securities, household items or other property.
