My wife and I are filing "Married filing jointly" return for 2020. What is the maximum charitable donations that can be deducted if we are not itemizing?

[npierson7]

For 2020, the charitable limit was $300 per “tax unit” – meaning that those who are married and filing jointly can only get a $300 deduction. For the 2021 tax year, however, those who are married and filing jointly can each take a $300 deduction, for a total of $600.

[fcasso]

Thank you for the quick reply.  It has been a little confusing because I have heard that we can deduct up to $600 in 2020 for charitable donations in 2020.  However, you say that $600 is not allowed until the 2021 tax year?

[DawnC]

That is correct.   For 2020 tax returns, the max is $300 per tax return.   On 2021 tax returns, Married filing Jointly returns will be allowed a $600 deduction.   It was new this year, so I really don't think they realized the wording when they passed the bill.