SC information letter #20-34

Abstract

On March 27, 2020 Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the relief provided, up to a $300 federal income tax deduction is allowed for charitable donations made in 2020 for individuals who claim the standard deduction. To be eligible, the contribution is required to be made in cash to a qualifying charitable organization. During the 2020 Legislative Session, South Carolina conformed to the Internal Revenue Code as of December 31, 2019, but did not conform to the federal CARES Act enacted by Congress in March 2020. Accordingly, there is no South Carolina charitable contribution deduction for an individual who claims the standard deduction in tax year 2020.