View Research by Author - Roger Colinvaux

Publications

The inventory, or stock in trade, of a business is eligible for a special "enhanced" charitable contribution deduction under the federal income tax. The many requirements to claim an enhanced deduction present unique challenges for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This issue brief highlights problems with how enhanced deduction contributions are reported and makes suggestions for changes to such reporting in order to improve enforcement capabilities.

Many recent proposals for budget and tax reform would change the value of the charitable contribution deduction. This report provides context for policymakers who may be considering one or more of these reforms, as well as for other interested observers. We first offer a basic overview of charitable giving and the legal rules for claiming the deduction. Next we discuss the various rationales that have been offered in its support and highlight critiques of the deduction. We then examine various proposed reforms, including caps, floors, credits, and grants, in light of those critiques.

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