By Mark Zdechlik

MPR News/90.1 FM

Non-profits are concerned the Republican federal tax law will effectively discourage charitable giving.

The law greatly expands the standard deduction, giving fewer people reason to itemize and reduce their taxable income through donations.

In Minnesota non-itemizers can deduct half of their charitable giving over $500 dollars. The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits Public Policy Director Rebecca Lucero said the state should eliminate those restrictions.

“We want to remove that $500 floor so that someone who’s only able to give $400 or $100 is able to recognize that benefit,” she said. “We also want to encourage more giving and so removing that 50 percent limit from the deduction can help.”