Charitable Contributions

In recent years, the standard deduction has increased, and many taxpayers now take the standard deduction instead of itemizing.

New in 2026 is that taxpayers that take the standard deduction may be allowed to deduct up to $1,000 ($2,000 if filing jointly) of cash contributions to certain qualified organizations. This additional deduction only applies to monetary deductions.

Substantiation Requirements for Donations

For contributions of cash, check, or other monetary gift (regardless of amount), you must maintain a record of the contribution: a bank record or a written communication from the qualified organization containing the name of the organization, the amount, and the date of the contribution. Gifts to individuals do not qualify.

For any contribution of $250 or more, you must obtain and keep in your records a contemporaneous written acknowledgment from the qualified organization indicating the amount of the cash and a description of any property other than cash contributed. The acknowledgment must say whether the organization provided any goods or services in exchange for the gift and, if so, must provide a description and a good faith estimate of the value of those goods or services. One document from the qualified organization may satisfy both the written communication requirement for monetary gifts, and the contemporaneous written acknowledgment requirement for all contributions of $250 or more.

So what does contemporaneous mean in this situation? It means that within a short, reasonable amount of time, you must obtain the written acknowledgment. Most charitable organizations automatically send this, but it is your obligation as the taxpayer to obtain the statement.

If you’re unsure if you need a statement, or if a gift qualifes for this, please contact The Calculated CPA for guidance about your donation.

All information contains general information for taxpayers and should not be relied upon as advice. Taxpayers should seek professional tax advice for information about your specific situation.