Professor Emeritus, Department of Economics and Decision Sciences, Western Illinois University Do you file income taxes each year? Do you contribute to charity? If you answered yes to both questions there is an additional deduction for charitable contributions beginning with the 2026 tax year. Here is what you need to know.
This year non-itemizers (those who take the standard deduction; and that is most taxpayers) can deduct cash charitable donations up to $1,000 (singles) and $2,000 (joint filers). Those making a total gift of $250 or more to one group will need a statement from them that you didn’t receive goods or services in exchange for your donation.
You should keep a record of the date of each donation, the amount, and the recipient. If you use a tax preparer, bring that record to them. Unfortunately, non-cash donations such as used clothing or furniture do not count.
Steven Rock, Local Coordinator, AARP Tax Aide Program
