2026 Brings New & Old Ways to Reduce Taxes on Charitable Giving
By Robbie Rettmer
What’s New – A Benefit for 90% of Federal Tax Filers
Beginning in the 2026 tax year, non-itemizers can deduct cash donations to
charities like DMC —up to $1,000 for single filers or $2,000 for married couples filing jointly. This is a terrific benefit since it’s available to the estimated 90% of Americans who take the standard donation instead of itemizing.
What’s Still in Place –
Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from IRAs
If you are 70 ½ or older with a traditional IRA, you can make tax-free
donations directly from your IRA to DMC through a Qualified Charitable
Distribution (QCD).
* Benefits: While a QCD doesn't offer a tax deduction, you do reduce
your overall tax liability. Further, by reducing AGI, you potentially avoid
adverse impacts on Medicare surcharges and the tax level on Social
Security benefits.
Donate Appreciated Securities
If you own stocks, bonds, or mutual funds that have been held for more
than a year and have increased in value, you can easily donate them to
DMC.
* Benefits: First, you avoid paying capital gains tax on the appreciated
value of the assets you donate. Second, you can deduct the full fair-
market value of the securities on your itemized tax return. Note, if
itemizing, you can only deduct the portion of your charitable gifts that
exceeds 0.5% of your AGI.
Give Via a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)
A DAF is a “giving account” that most major brokerages provide for their
clients who seek a streamlined and flexible way to support 501c3
charitable organizations like DMC.
* Benefits: You receive an immediate tax deduction in the year you make
the contribution, even if you decide to distribute the funds to charities over several years. You can contribute cash, stocks, or other assets, and the
funds can potentially grow tax-free within the DAF.
Importantly, we can’t offer specific tax advice — you’ll need to consult your financial/tax advisor for that. But we can share educational / high-level information about these ways to give.
Please do contact us via email at donorservices@dralamountain.org or call me directly if you wish to discuss more and/or to help coordinate receipt of your gift if you plan to move forward with the donation via QCD, stock, or DAF.
Sincerely,
Robbie Rettmer
Executive Director
rrettmer@dralamountain.org
(720) 935-2582
DMC Tax ID (EIN): 84-1535130