By 1812Blockhouse
A cup of coffee. A clear explanation. And a chance to make your generosity go further.
The Richland County Foundation is hosting a free educational session to walk through what recent federal tax changes mean for charitable giving in 2026. Attorney Jack Stewart, CPA, CFP, will explain the updates in plain language, with time for questions and practical examples. You can attend in person at 181 S Main St, Mansfield, or join by Zoom. Registration is required.
Reserve your spot:
https://richlandcountyfdn.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/list/event?event_date_id=1825
What you’ll learn
Recent changes affect who can deduct charitable gifts, how much is deductible, and how valuable each deducted dollar is. This session focuses on the real implications for everyday donors, itemizers, and higher-income households. In the meantime, here’s a glimpse at what you will hear.
If you take the standard deduction (non-itemizers)
Starting in 2026, you may be able to deduct charitable gifts even if you do not itemize:
- Up to $1,000 in cash gifts if single
- Up to $2,000 if married filing jointly
- Applies only to cash gifts to qualifying public charities (checks, cards, online, payroll)
- Does not apply to donor-advised funds or private foundations
If you itemize deductions
A new 0.5% of AGI floor applies in 2026:
- Only the portion of your total annual charitable giving above 0.5% of AGI is deductible
- Existing AGI caps still apply:
- Up to 60% of AGI for cash gifts to public charities
- Often 30% of AGI for appreciated assets and certain organizations
- 5-year carryforwards remain for excess amounts
Example
AGI: $200,000
Annual giving: $5,000
0.5% AGI floor: $1,000
Deductible amount: $4,000
High-income donors
For those in the top bracket, the value of each deductible dollar is limited:
- Deductions reduce tax as if you were in a 35% bracket
- Even if your marginal rate is 37%
Corporate charitable giving
For C-corporations beginning in 2026:
- Contributions are deductible only after exceeding 1% of taxable income
- Still subject to the 10% cap
- Carryforwards apply to excess amounts
Why this session matters
These changes do not discourage generosity. They change the math. For many households, timing, structure, and method of giving will now matter more than before.
Coffee and tea will be ready. The tax code will be translated into plain English.
Register here:
https://richlandcountyfdn.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/list/event?event_date_id=1825
