Bill > S1455

This bill modifies the state's income tax deduction for charitable giving by amending Section 3 of Chapter 62 of the General Laws. Specifically, it allows taxpayers to deduct charitable contributions that are allowed under Section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code (often referred to as the "Code" or "IRC"), which is the federal tax law governing charitable deductions. However, this bill introduces a key change: it disallows deductions for contributions of household goods or used clothing, even if such items are deductible under federal law. Importantly, while federal tax law generally requires taxpayers to itemize their deductions to claim charitable contributions, this bill clarifies that Massachusetts taxpayers will *not* be required to itemize their deductions on their federal income tax returns to claim this state deduction. This change is set to take effect for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2015.