There have been some meaningful changes to charitable giving under the new tax law—especially for people who take the standard deduction. If you give regularly but haven’t always seen a tax benefit, these updates are worth understanding.

Beginning in 2026, charitable giving becomes more flexible for households that don’t itemize deductions.

A New Charitable Deduction for Standard Deduction Filers

Historically, if you took the standard deduction, your charitable donations didn’t reduce your federal taxes. That changes in 2026.

Under the new rules:

• Single filers can deduct up to $1,000 of cash donations to qualified public charities.
• Married couples filing jointly can deduct up to $2,000.

This deduction is available even when you take the standard deduction. It’s designed to recognize everyday giving and ensure charitable contributions aren’t “tax invisible” simply because you don’t itemize.

For many households, this creates a meaningful benefit without requiring any change to how they already give.

A New Education-Focused Tax Credit Starting in 2027

Another important update arrives in 2027 and focuses on education.

A new tax credit—not a deduction—will be available for donations made to certain scholarship-granting organizations that support K–12 education.

Key highlights:

• Individuals may qualify for a credit of up to $1,700 per year, with higher potential limits for married couples.
• Because this is a credit, it reduces your tax bill dollar for dollar.
• The organization must qualify, and donors cannot designate a specific student.

For families interested in education-focused philanthropy, this adds a powerful new planning option.

How These Changes Fit with Existing Giving Strategies

Many families already use a strategy known as “bunching” or “stacking” charitable contributions—making multiple years of donations in one year to itemize, then taking the standard deduction in other years.

What’s helpful about these new rules is that they add value in the in-between years.

Even when you’re taking the standard deduction, modest charitable gifts can now still provide a tax benefit. That means you can:

• Continue giving consistently,
• Use stacking when it makes sense,
• And still receive a benefit in off years.

The Bigger Picture

The key takeaway isn’t that everyone should change how they give. It’s that the planning toolbox has expanded.

Charitable giving should always start with what you care about most. The tax benefits are secondary—but when used thoughtfully, they can enhance your overall financial plan.

If you’ve been giving regularly, stacking donations, or exploring education-focused philanthropy, these changes are worth a closer look in the context of your broader goals.