Many of the people we work with take the standard deduction. It's simpler, and for a lot of households it's the bigger number anyway. The catch has always been that the money you gave to your church, the local food bank or your kid's school fundraiser didn't do anything for you on your tax return.
That changes this year. Under the new tax law, people who don't itemize can deduct some of their charitable giving, starting with gifts made in 2026. And this one isn't temporary. It's permanent.
How much you can deduct
If you file single, you can deduct up to $1,000 of cash donations. Married couples filing jointly can deduct up to $2,000. This comes on top of your standard deduction, so you don't have to pick one or the other.
What counts and what doesn't
It has to be cash. That includes checks, credit cards and online giving. Dropping off a bag of clothes at Goodwill or donating stock won't count toward this deduction.
The charity also has to be a qualified one, meaning it's eligible to receive tax-deductible donations. If you're not sure, you can look it up for free with the Tax Exempt Organization Search on IRS.gov.
A couple of things are left out. Money you put into a donor-advised fund doesn't qualify, and neither does money given to what the IRS calls a "supporting organization." Keep in mind, too, that not everything you pay a nonprofit is a gift. If you buy a ticket to a charity dinner, the part that covers your meal isn't deductible. If you already itemize, nothing changes for you. You'll keep deducting your gifts on Schedule A like you always have.
Hang on to your records
You'll want proof of each gift: a receipt or letter from the charity, a canceled check, or a bank or credit card statement. It should show the charity's name, the date and how much you gave. For any single gift of $250 or more, make sure you get a written acknowledgment from the charity.
Before December 31
Take a quick look back at what you've given so far this year. Your bank and credit card statements are usually the easiest place to find it. If you're under the limit and you were already planning a year-end gift, getting it in by December 31 means it counts for 2026.
It also helps to start one folder, paper or digital, just for donation receipts. You'll thank yourself in April.
This won't change anyone's tax situation dramatically. But if you're already giving, there's no reason to leave the deduction on the table.
Not sure whether you should itemize or take the standard deduction? Schedule an inquiry call with us. We're happy to run the numbers with you.
This post is for general information only and isn't tax or legal advice. Your situation may differ. Source: IRS news release IR-2026-135 (Nov. 10, 2026); see also IRS Publication 6196, Charitable Contribution Deduction Tips for Non-Itemizers.