Help CenterThe following is a brief summary of key tax provisions included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, signed into law on December 27, 2020.
Charitable Contributions
- The CARES Act permits taxpayers who claim the standard deduction a deduction of up to $300 for qualified charitable contributions made during 2020. The new law extended this provision for 2021 with a maximum deduction of $300 ($600 for Married Filing Jointly).
- The increased charitable contribution deduction limit of 100% (from 60%) is extended through 2021.
Tax Provisions Made Permanent
- The threshold for deducting medical expenses as an itemized deduction is 7.5% of AGI.
- The tuition and fees deduction is no longer available for expenses paid after December 31, 2020.
- The Lifetime Learning Credit phaseout range is equal to the American Opportunity Credit effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2020. The modified AGI limitation for both credits is $80,000 – $90,000 ($160,000 – $180,000 MFJ).
- The deduction for energy-efficient commercial building property.
- The gross income exclusion for certain benefits provided to volunteer firefighters and emergency medical responders.
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