Resources for Advisors

With the doubling of the standard deduction in 2018, the number of taxpayers who itemized deductions declined substantially. In 2017, nearly 30% of taxpayers itemized, but with the larger standard deductions, only about 10% of taxpayers will itemize this year. The standard deductions in 2018 doubled to $24,000 for married couples and $12,000 for individuals. The married standard deductions increased to $24,400 in 2019 and $24,800 in 2020. Individual standard deductions are one-half the married number. What tax planning strategy might benefit generous taxpayers who know there is a large standard deduction and still desire to help a favorite charity? Let's consider the options for two generous families – John and Mary Jones and Harry and Susan Green. Both couples pay $8,000 in state and local taxes and $7,000 in home mortgage interest. They each give $8,000 to their favorite...

The GiftLaw Calculator is a planned gifts calculator for professionals that follows the IRS format. Click here to access and run charitable deduction calculations for your favorite gift plan...