What New Tax Law Means for Your Giving
Make a Big Impact With a Future Gift
Changes to the tax code beginning January 1, 2026, could affect how—and when—you choose to give to organizations/institutions/causes like WQED.
What’s new:
- Non-itemizers get a tax benefit.
Even if you don’t itemize, you can deduct up to $1,000 (single filers) or $2,000 (married couples). So even smaller donations can make an impact. Note: Gifts to donor advised funds are excluded. - New floor for itemizers.
You will need to give at least 0.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI) to claim a charitable deduction. Consider maximizing your giving in 2025 before the new rule takes effect. - New limit for top earners.
Currently, top earners get a 37-cent tax benefit for every $1 deducted. Starting in 2026, that drops to 35 cents. If you are in the top tax bracket, consider giving more this year to avoid losing tax benefits next year.
What stays:
- Income tax brackets
The new law permanently extends the current tax rates. - Standard deduction
For 2025, it will be $15,750 for single filers and $31,500 for married couples filing jointly. If you don’t itemize, you may still benefit if you give appreciated stock, real estate or, if you are 70½ or older, from your IRA. - Deduction limit for cash gifts
You can still deduct cash gifts of up to 60% of your AGI. Consider combining your cash and non-cash assets (often called blended giving) to maximize your tax benefits and impact. - Estate and gift tax exemption
It will increase to $15 million per individual/$30 million per married couple filing jointly. Your estate is likely under this amount, so focus on current giving to receive tax benefits.
Want to make the most of a gift to WQED in 2025? Contact Jui Joshi, Director of Philanthropic Engagement, at (412) 622-1386 or jjoshi@wqed.org. We’d be happy to discuss the best ways you can create a legacy.
Information contained herein was accurate at the time of posting. The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in any examples are for illustrative purposes only. References to tax rates include federal taxes only and are subject to change. State law may further impact your individual results. California residents: Annuities are subject to regulation by the State of California. Payments under such agreements, however, are not protected or otherwise guaranteed by any government agency or the California Life and Health Insurance Guarantee Association. Oklahoma residents: A charitable gift annuity is not regulated by the Oklahoma Insurance Department and is not protected by a guaranty association affiliated with the Oklahoma Insurance Department. South Dakota residents: Charitable gift annuities are not regulated by and are not under the jurisdiction of the South Dakota Division of Insurance.