Several states are considering proposals in an attempt to reduce the impact of federal tax reform’s $10,000 limit on state and local tax (SALT) deductions. In New York, the Governor’s budget proposal includes establishing two charitable organizations (one for health care and one for education) that will enable taxpayers to make a contribution to those funds and receive a credit for 85 percent of the amount donated to offset SALT liabilities. California’s SB 227 similarly creates a charitable organization (California Excellence Fund) and provides a credit against the California income tax for contributions made. Oregon has a similar proposal pending and New Jersey’s Governor indicated that his state is looking into such a plan as well. All of these proposals would give taxpayers the opportunity to make the charitable contribution and get a federal tax deduction and reduce their SALT liability which would be subject to the $10,000 limitation.
