10/22/2026
New federal tax rules change how charitable contributions may benefit you in 2026.
The changes were enacted as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and affect both taxpayers who itemize deductions and those who claim the standard deduction.
At Watson Mowry, PC, we encourage clients to understand these changes before making year-end charitable gifts so their giving strategy and tax planning work together.
A New Deduction for Taxpayers Who Don't Itemize
Beginning with tax year 2026, taxpayers who take the standard deduction may deduct certain cash charitable contributions even though they do not itemize deductions.
The annual deduction is limited to:
$1,000 for individuals and married couples filing separately
$2,000 for married couples filing jointly
This deduction applies only to qualifying cash contributions to eligible charitable organizations. Donations of property, stock or other noncash assets do not qualify for this particular deduction. Contributions to donor-advised funds and certain supporting organizations also do not qualify.
This change provides a potential federal tax benefit for charitable giving to taxpayers who otherwise receive no federal deduction for their charitable contributions.
A New 0.5% Floor for Itemized Charitable Contributions
For taxpayers who itemize deductions, a new limitation applies beginning in 2026.
Under the new rule, charitable contributions generally are deductible only to the extent that they exceed 0.5% of the taxpayer's adjusted gross income (AGI).
For example, if your AGI is $200,000:
0.5% × $200,000 = $1,000
If you make $6,000 of otherwise deductible charitable contributions, the first $1,000 is subject to the new floor, leaving $5,000 potentially deductible, subject to the other charitable contribution limitations. So if you only donated $1,000 and itemize, you would get NO itemized deduction for that charitable contribution!
This means taxpayers who make relatively modest charitable contributions may see a smaller federal tax deduction than under prior law.
For more complete details on these new regulations, click the link below!
**This article is intended for general informational purposes and should not be considered individualized tax advice. Tax rules and individual circumstances vary. Please consult your Watson-Mowry, PC tax professional regarding your specific situation. **
September 29, 2026 WMCWebmaster BBB topics 2026 No Comments New IRS Charitable Giving Regulations from BBB Change Deductions For Many Taxpayers 2026 Charitable Giving: What Taxpayers Need to Know New federal tax rules change how charitable contributions may benefit you in 2026. The changes were enac...