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Level 7
November 19, 2020
Solved

$600 contribution deduction for MFJ in 2020

  • November 19, 2020
  • 1 reply
  • 32 views

The software did not allow me to enter $600 on line 10b of the 1040 worksheet. It allows only $300. Advise how to enter $600 for MFJ.

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Best answer by TaxGuyBill

Unless I missed it, there is no indication that Joint filers can use $600

The CARES Act seems a bit murky in this regard and just said $300.  From what I remember, I think I read that the congressional notes ("blue book") says $300 on a Joint tax return.  So unless the IRS clarifies it, it is limited to $300 per tax return.

Many charitable organizations are claiming that $600 is deductible for joint return because they want larger contributions.  But as far as I know, there is no indication from Congress or the IRS that $600 is allowed.

1 reply

Level 15
November 19, 2020

Unless I missed it, there is no indication that Joint filers can use $600

The CARES Act seems a bit murky in this regard and just said $300.  From what I remember, I think I read that the congressional notes ("blue book") says $300 on a Joint tax return.  So unless the IRS clarifies it, it is limited to $300 per tax return.

Many charitable organizations are claiming that $600 is deductible for joint return because they want larger contributions.  But as far as I know, there is no indication from Congress or the IRS that $600 is allowed.

Level 15
November 19, 2020

And the Draft Instructions for Form 1040 specifically states "don't enter more than $300".

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-dft/i1040gi--dft.pdf#page=30

Level 3
February 1, 2023

are we sure 600 or300