Bill > S1316

This bill amends Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 62, Section 3, concerning income tax deductions for charitable giving, by replacing an existing provision with a new one that allows taxpayers to deduct charitable contributions as permitted by section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"), which is the federal tax law. However, this bill specifically disallows deductions for contributions of household goods or used clothing, even if the Code would otherwise allow them. Importantly, while all other federal rules for charitable contributions apply, taxpayers in Massachusetts will not be required to itemize their deductions on their federal income tax returns to claim this charitable deduction on their state taxes. This change is effective for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2013.