Taxpayers looking to maximize the impact of their charitable contributions and their tax benefits should be aware of several key updates starting in 2026. Whether you itemize deductions or take the standard deduction, new rules may influence your giving strategy
Above-the-Line Deduction for Non-Itemizers
For 2026, taxpayers who do not itemize deductions can still benefit from charitable giving.
An above-the-line deduction is available for:
- Up to $1,000 for single filers
- Up to $2,000 for married couples filing jointly (MFJ)
This provision allows non-itemizers to reduce their taxable income through qualified charitable cash contributions, making it easier to support causes you care about while receiving a tax benefit.
Itemizers: 0.5% AGI Floor on Charitable Contributions
Taxpayers who itemize deductions should note a new limitation: charitable contributions are deductible only to the extent they exceed 0.5% of adjusted gross income (AGI).
This means smaller donations may not yield a tax benefit unless total contributions surpass that threshold. As a result, some taxpayers may want to consider “bunching” contributions, combining multiple years’ worth of giving into one year to exceed the floor and maximize deductibility.
Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)
For individuals age 70½ or older, Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) remain a powerful giving tool. QCDs allow you to donate directly from an IRA to a qualified charity, potentially satisfying required minimum distributions (RMDs) while excluding the distribution from taxable income.
Because QCDs involve specific rules and planning considerations, we encourage you to review our prior blog post dedicated to this topic. Here is a link so you can explore whether this strategy fits your situation.
Planning Ahead
With these changes in mind, thoughtful planning is more important than ever. Consider:
- Reviewing your expected AGI to determine whether itemizing will be beneficial
- Timing your donations strategically
- Consulting with your tax advisor to align your charitable goals with your overall financial plan
Charitable giving continues to be a meaningful way to support your community and causes you value. With the right approach, you can also make the most of the available tax benefits in 2026.
If you have questions about how these rules apply to your specific circumstances, feel free to reach out, we’re here to help.
This material is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as a substitute for personalized investment advice or as a recommendation or solicitation of any particular security, strategy, or investment product. Any opinions expressed are current only as of the time made and are subject to change without notice. Nothing in this presentation is intended to serve as personalized investment, tax, or insurance advice, as such advice depends on your individual facts and circumstances. LPFG, LLC d.b.a Landing Point Financial Group is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply any level of skill or training. For more information please visit adviserinfo.sec.gov and search for our firm name.