Starting with the 2026 tax year, federal tax law is changing in a way that makes giving to charity more rewarding for people who don’t itemize their deductions. In this post, we’ll discuss how to deduct donations in 2026.
Can I deduct donations in 2026 if I don’t itemize?
Yes! Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), Congress created a new above-the-line charitable deduction for people who use the standard deduction instead of itemizing.
What that means:
- • If you do not itemize your deductions now (most taxpayers), you can still get a tax benefit from cash gifts to charity.
- •This benefit is called an above-the-line deduction, which lowers your taxable income before figuring out your tax.
How much of my 2026 donations can I deduct?
For the 2026 tax year:
- • Up to $2,000 if you’re married, filing jointly.
- • Up to $1,000 in cash donations if you file as a single person.
That means even if you take the standard deduction, which most people do, you still get a tax break for giving to charity.
For example, if you are single and give $500 in cash to a qualifying charity in 2026, you may be able to deduct $500 from your taxable income, up to the $1,000 limit.
What counts as a qualifying gift?
To claim this deduction:
- • You must give cash (including check, credit or debit card, online donation, or mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay).
- • Gifts must go directly to qualified public charities (not donor-advised funds or private foundations).
Make a 2026 qualifying gift to Food For The Poor today.
Why this matters
Before 2026, only people who itemized deductions (only about 10% of taxpayers) could deduct charitable gifts on their taxes. Because the standard deduction is so high, most people don’t itemize, so they couldn’t get a tax benefit for donations.
Now, thanks to the new rule:
- • More donors (especially middle-income households) get a tax incentive to give.
- • This could encourage more everyday giving to causes people care about.
This change makes charitable giving a little more rewarding for everyone — not just people with more complex tax returns. If you’re planning to give in 2026, this new deduction offers a meaningful way to support causes you care about while also receiving a tax benefit.
Food For The Poor is a top-rated, qualified 501(c)(3) public charity working to alleviate poverty. Your gift helps provide food, clean water, housing, education, and emergency relief throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. To learn more about our mission and how your generosity makes a difference, visit foodforthepoor.org.
Food For The Poor has made it easy to give your 2026 tax-smart gift today. Give now using our secure, mobile-friendly donation form and complete your gift in seconds.
Information provided through this platform is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Food For The Poor (FFTP) encourages donors to consult their professional advisors regarding the implications of charitable giving.