What’s new in the numbers: A recap of charitable tax rules in 2026

By Nicolette Lewis, JD

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As 2025 transitioned into 2026, you were likely already monitoring the various IRS thresholds that are subject to adjustment, as well as the new tax laws’ impact on planning techniques. An equally important consideration is how these changes may affect your clients’ charitable giving. Here are pointers to keep handy as you inform your clients about 2026 updates and support thoughtful philanthropic planning for the year ahead.

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Social Security COLA increases

The Social Security Administration announced a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase effective January 1, 2026. This increase reflects inflation’s trajectory and affects many retirees who also engage in philanthropy.

Importance to charitable giving: Retirees are a unique group when it comes to tools and techniques related to charitable giving. Given that a high percentage of older cohorts give to charity each year, conversations around your clients’ Social Security benefits are also a good time to bring up charitable giving plans for 2026 and beyond.

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Standard deduction increases

For tax year 2026, the standard deduction increased to $16,100 for single taxpayers, $24,150 for heads of households, and $32,200 for married couples filing jointly.

Importance to charitable giving: The standard deduction is a key factor in charitable giving strategies. If a client’s total itemized deductions—including charitable gifts—exceed the standard deduction, they are eligible to itemize. Reviewing this threshold and considering a “bunching” strategy (condensing multiple years of giving into one tax year) can help maximize charitable support through 2026 and beyond.

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Tax brackets

Though the tax rates continue to range from 10% to 37%, the income levels that define each bracket for 2026 have shifted.

Importance to charitable giving: Examining tax brackets with clients presents a timely opportunity to discuss their charitable giving strategies. With the new limitations on itemized deductions that took effect in 2026 (specifically the 0.5% floor and the 35% cap), it’s important to help clients plan carefully so that their philanthropy remains tax efficient.

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Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)

For tax year 2026, the per-taxpayer limit for Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) has been increased for inflation to $111,000, up from $108,000 in 2025. And the limit for a one-time QCD from an IRA to a split-interest vehicle has been adjusted for inflation to $55,000, up from $54,000.  

Importance to charitable giving: Because clients age 70 ½ or older can direct IRA distributions to charity without including them in taxable income (a “Qualified Charitable Distribution”), these clients can reduce their AGI and, if applicable, satisfy all or part of their required minimum distributions (RMDs). A QCD to a qualified fund at the Community Foundation, such as a designated or field-of-interest fund (donor-advised funds do not qualify), remains one of the most tax-efficient ways to support charity.  

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Non-itemizer charitable deductions

Beginning with tax year 2026, a single-filer taxpayer who does not itemize deductions will be allowed to deduct up to $1,000 in cash donations to qualified charities (excluding donor-advised funds and private foundations). Non-itemizing joint filers may deduct up to $2,000.  

Importance to charitable giving: Despite the relative inflexibility of the new deduction (e.g., gifts of appreciated stock do not count, and neither do gifts to donor-advised funds), this provision for non-itemizers could help encourage people to begin their charitable giving journey, especially in the case of young professionals. Educating your high-income clients with adult children about this new deduction is an effective way to add value to your client relationships. The Community Foundation can help by offering non-donor-advised fund options to receive the $1000 or $2000 gifts, as well as offering opportunities for family learning and hands-on involvement.  

As you guide clients through these 2026 changes, Community Foundation Tampa Bay is here to support you. Our team works alongside advisors to align charitable strategies with evolving tax rules, personal values, and long-term goals. We welcome the opportunity to be a resource as you help clients plan thoughtfully for the year ahead and beyond.

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To learn more about how the Community Foundation can support your clients’ charitable giving strategies, please contact Nicolette Lewis, JD, Associate Counsel, Philanthropic Giving, at nlewis@cftampabay.org or (813) 609-4855.

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