New Tax Benefits for Donors due to CARES Act

Dear beloved supporters,

These are difficult times for everyone. We find ourselves in uncharted waters while the demand for support across our community continues to grow. In order to keep fulfilling our mission, our church parishes, schools and nonprofits need our support.

We want to let you know about a few key provisions of the new CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act. This new law is designed to help you, businesses and nonprofits facing economic hardship during the coronavirus pandemic.

The new law temporarily suspends the requirements for required minimum distributions (RMD) for the 2020 tax year. This probably comes as a relief to many of you who would have had to withdraw a greater percentage of your retirement accounts. Many of our donors use their RMD to make a gift from their IRA. If you are 70½ or older, you can still make a gift from your IRA or name us as a beneficiary. In addition, there are some new ways you can receive financial benefits and help organizations like us.

The new law allows all taxpayers to take a charitable deduction of up to $300, even if you do not itemize. You might think that this is a small amount and would not make a difference. But what if all of our donors gave “just” $300? Such support would have a huge impact on those we serve.

For those who do itemize their deductions, the new law allows for cash contributions to qualified charities such as ours to be deducted up to 100% of your adjusted gross income for the 2020 calendar year.

We are so grateful for your generosity, which touches—and changes—so many lives. Please contact me at aponson@htdiocese.org or 985.850.3116 to discuss how your gift can help further our mission.

Sincerely,
Amy Ponson
Executive Director
Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana

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