Deductible Donations: Charitable Giving and Your Taxes in 2026

By the James Family Tax team

Starting with 2026 tax returns, you can deduct up to $1,000 of cash gifts to charity, or $2,000 if married filing jointly, even if you take the standard deduction. It’s one of the most useful changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act for everyday donors.

How the New Deduction Works

It’s taken in addition to the standard deduction.
Only cash gifts count, including check, card and electronic payments. Donated goods and stock do not.
The gift must go directly to a qualifying public charity. Gifts to donor-advised funds and supporting organizations don’t qualify.
The limit is per return each year, and unused amounts don’t carry forward.

What If You Itemize?

Starting in 2026, itemizers can deduct only the part of their charitable gifts that exceeds 0.5% of their adjusted gross income. For example, with $100,000 of income, the first $500 of gifts isn’t deductible. Bunching gifts into one year can help.

Keep Your Records

Keep a bank record or a receipt for every gift. For any single gift of $250 or more, you need a written acknowledgment from the charity.

Is My Charity Eligible?

Use the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search to confirm an organization can receive tax-deductible gifts.

Giving Back Is Part of Who We Are

Each year, a portion of our tax preparation earnings goes to a local nonprofit. We’ve proudly supported the San Antonio Food Bank, and if you’re looking for a place to give, your local food bank is a great choice.

Source: Charitable giving after the OBBBA: the 2026 outlook.

How James Family Tax Can Help

Want a professional to handle your return? Our Tax Family is here year-round at our San Antonio and Schertz offices.

Book an appointment at our San Antonio or Schertz office, or call (210) 864-1788.