Get up to a $600 tax deduction for charitable donations in 2021

CASH DONATIONS TO QUALIFIED CHARITIES The $300 deduction is for donations made in cash, which includes currency, checks, credit or debit cards, and electronic funds transfers. You can't

take the deduction for contributions of property, such as clothing or household items. You must also make your contributions to qualified charities. Ask the charity whether it's a

qualified organization per the IRS, or check online using this tool on IRS.gov. You can't deduct contributions of your time or services, or any part of a contribution from which you

benefit, such as the purchase of Girl Scout cookies. You also can't deduct cash donated to help a specific individual, such as a person's medical expenses, even if the hospital

itself is operated by a qualified charitable organization. NO ITEMIZATION REQUIRED The $300 charitable deduction comes on top of the standard deduction. In the 2021 tax year, the standard

deduction is slightly higher than it was in 2020 because of inflation adjustments. Those filing single returns (or married filing separately) get a $12,550 standard deduction; those filing

joint returns get $25,100. Those who are at least 65 years old or blind get an extra $1,350 (or $1,700 if using the single or head of household status). If you itemize your tax return, you

can't take the $300 CARES Act deduction. Unless Congress acts to extend the deduction, the 2021 tax year is the last time you’ll see it.