Let’s talk taxes. Wait! Don’t stop reading just yet.
What if you had the opportunity to support a local charity you care about and potentially reduce the amount you send to the IRS? Thanks to recent tax law changes, many Americans may be able to do exactly that.
What’s Changed?
The recently passed “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB) introduced several tax changes, including a significant update for taxpayers who do not itemize deductions.
Beginning with the 2026 tax year, taxpayers who take the standard deduction may still be able to claim a charitable deduction.
Rachel Evans, a Development Officer for Lutheran Family Services, said, “Beginning with the 2026 tax year, non-itemizers can deduct up to $1,000 of cash donations to charitable, religious, educational, scientific, literary, and certain other eligible organizations (up to $2,000 on joint returns).”
In simple terms, this means individuals may still be able to deduct up to $1,000 in qualifying charitable donations, while married couples filing jointly may be able to deduct up to $2,000.
*As always, consult your tax advisor regarding your specific situation.
What Does This Mean for Lutheran Family Services Supporters?
For someone filing as an individual, it could mean directing up to $1,000 toward a cause they care about, such as LFS, while also receiving a tax benefit.
The best part? You don’t have to make that gift all at once.
Many of our generous monthly donors may already be on track to reach the maximum deduction amount without even realizing it.
- Individual filers: approximately $84 per month equals about $1,000 annually
- Joint filers: approximately $167 per month equals about $2,000 annually
If you’re already giving at these levels, congratulations! Your ongoing support is changing lives every day while potentially helping you take advantage of this new tax benefit.
If you’re not quite there yet, there’s still time to increase your impact. An additional year-end gift could help you reach the maximum qualifying amount while supporting vital services for children, families, refugees, older adults, and individuals seeking mental health care across Nebraska.
Key Takeaways
- New tax benefits begin in 2026: Taxpayers who take the standard deduction may be able to deduct up to $1,000 in qualifying charitable donations, or $2,000 for married couples filing jointly.
- Monthly giving can help you maximize the deduction: A recurring gift of about $84 per month (individual) or $167 per month (joint filers) could help you reach the maximum deductible amount over the course of a year.
- Support a cause you care about while potentially reducing your tax bill: Donations to eligible nonprofits like Lutheran Family Services can help fund critical services across Nebraska while providing a potential tax advantage for donors.
