Make Your Impact Before the End of 2025
Maximize Your Gift by Considering These New Tax Law Updates
Update: Starting in 2026, itemizers must donate at least 0.5% of their adjusted gross income (AGI) to claim a charitable deduction.
How this affects you: Maximize your giving in 2025 before the new threshold takes effect.
Update: Currently, top earners receive a 37‑cent tax benefit for every dollar deducted. In 2026, that drops to 35 cents.
How this affects you: If you’re in the highest tax bracket, giving more this year could yield greater tax savings.
Update: Beginning in 2025, the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction cap rises from $10,000 to $40,000. It will increase by 1% annually through 2029 before reverting back to $10,000 in 2030.
How this affects you: This expansion may provide added relief for taxpayers in high‑tax states and could influence how you plan charitable giving and overall tax strategy in the years ahead.
Update: For 2025, the standard deduction is set at $15,750 for single filers and $31,500 for married couples filing jointly. Those age 65+ may qualify for an additional deduction of up to $6,000, though it phases out at higher income levels.
How this affects you: Even if you don’t itemize, you may benefit by giving appreciated stock, real estate, or—if you’re 70½ or older—through your IRA.
Update: The deduction limit for cash gifts remains permanent at 60% of AGI.
How this affects you: Consider a blended giving strategy that combines cash and non‑cash assets to maximize both your tax benefits and your charitable impact.
Year-End & Future Gift Opportunities
Cash Gift
- Give by check or online; may qualify for federal tax deduction.
- Mail gifts must be postmarked by Dec. 31
Appreciated Stock
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Donate stock held >1 year; deduct value + avoid capital gains.
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Gift date = when stock enters our account
Donor Advised Fund (DAF)
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Recommend a grant or recurring grants to support the food bank.
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Deduction applies when contributing to the DAF, not when granting.
IRA Gift (Age 70½+)
- Transfer up to $108,000 directly; tax-free + counts toward RMD.
- Funds/checks must clear by Dec. 31
Charitable Gift Annuity
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Lock in highest rates in nearly 20 years; income for life.
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Start early to finish before year-end
We are deeply grateful for all those who supported us this past year, it has made a real difference. As we look ahead to 2026, we invite you to continue partnering with us to build stronger communities. For questions about giving to a specific program, please reach out us at (319) 393‑7811.
Federal Tax ID Number: 42-0898405
