Congressional Budget Office Report Outlines Options on Charity Matters

The Congressional Budget Office has provided House and Senate budget committees with dozens of options for altering federal spending and revenues.

Some of the options focus on tax issues important to charities but generally do not appear likely to be considered by Congress anytime soon.

For example, one would provide a limited charitable deduction to people who do not itemize deductions on their tax returns. One would limit the tax benefit of itemized deductions to 15 percent. Another would put a $150-million cap on the outstanding stock of tax-exempt bonds that a nonprofit organization, including a hospital, could use for financing.

The Congressional Budget Office said the options come from a variety of sources, including legislative proposals, the president’s budget, Congressional and budget office staff members, other government agencies, and private groups.

The budget office said the options are “intended to reflect a range of possibilities rather than to provide a ranking or comprehensive list.” It said it does not endorse or reject any of the options.

The Congressional Budget Office presents options to the budget committees during each session of Congress.