With Giving Tuesday and the holiday season approaching, many people are deciding where to donate. The IRS recently reminded taxpayers about a change that may make those gifts more valuable: a permanent charitable contribution deduction for taxpayers who do not itemize. Here’s what you need to know before December 31.
What’s New
Until now, most people who took the standard deduction got no tax benefit from donating to charity. Beginning with contributions made in 2026, that changes. Taxpayers who claim the standard deduction can deduct up to:
- $1,000 for single filers
- $2,000 for married couples filing jointly
The deduction can be taken in addition to the standard deduction, so you don’t need to itemize on Schedule A. You’ll claim it on your 2026 return, which you file in early 2027. Unlike a similar break available during the pandemic years, this one is permanent.
Which Gifts Qualify
The rules are specific, so it’s worth checking before you give:
- Cash only. Checks, credit and debit card payments, and electronic transfers count. Donated clothing, household items, stock, and other property do not.
- Qualified charitable organizations only. Gifts to individuals, crowdfunding campaigns, and political organizations don’t qualify. Donations to donor-advised funds and certain private foundations generally don’t count either.
- Gifts made in 2026. A donation must be completed by December 31 to count for this tax year.
Not sure whether an organization is eligible? The IRS offers a Tax Exempt Organization Search tool on IRS.gov, or you can ask us.
Keep Good Records
A deduction is only as strong as the documentation behind it. For every gift, keep:
- A bank record, canceled check, or credit card statement
- A receipt or written acknowledgment from the charity
- The organization’s name, the amount, and the date of the gift
For any single gift of $250 or more, you’ll need a written acknowledgment from the charity. Make a habit of saving receipts now, rather than hunting for them in April.
What About Itemizers?
If your deductions exceed the standard deduction ($16,100 for single filers and $32,200 for married couples filing jointly in 2026), itemizing may still be the better choice, and the rules for you have changed too. Starting in 2026, itemizers can deduct charitable gifts only to the extent they exceed 0.5% of adjusted gross income (AGI), and the tax benefit is capped at 35 cents per dollar for taxpayers in the top bracket.
If you give regularly, strategies like bunching several years of donations into one year may help you get more value from your giving. This is worth a conversation before year-end.
Plan Before December 31
A few steps to take now:
- Total up your 2026 giving so far. Include every cash gift to a qualified charity.
- Decide whether you’ll itemize or take the standard deduction. Most taxpayers will still be better off with the standard deduction.
- Gather your receipts and acknowledgments.
- Talk to your tax professional about whether to give more, give sooner, or bunch gifts.
Questions? We’re Here to Help
Every tax situation is different, and the best giving strategy depends on your income, filing status, and goals. If you’d like help deciding how to make the most of your charitable giving this year, contact our team at EJK before the year ends.