An important decision to make when filing your individual income tax return is whether to claim the standard deduction or itemize deductions. A change under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) will make it beneficial for more taxpayers to itemize deductions on their 2025 returns. Specifically, if you paid more than $10,000 in state […]
If you itemize deductions on your 2025 individual income tax return, you potentially can deduct donations to qualified charities you made last year. But your gifts must be substantiated in accordance with IRS requirements. Exactly what’s required depends on various factors. In some cases, you must have a written acknowledgment from the charity. Substantiating cash
Before claiming a charitable deduction for 2025, make sure you can substantiate it Read More »
Beginning in 2026, individuals who itemize deductions and donate to charity will face a new limit on their charitable deductions. And in some cases, they’ll face two new limits. But there’s some good news for nonitemizing individuals who make charitable donations. New charitable deduction floor Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), starting in 2026, if
Changes to charitable donation deductions are on the horizon Read More »
Just because it’s December doesn’t mean it’s too late to reduce your 2025 tax liability. Consider implementing one or more of these year-end tax-saving ideas by December 31. Defer income and accelerate deductions Pushing income into the new year will reduce this year’s taxable income. If you’re expecting a bonus at work, for example, ask if
There’s still time to save 2025 taxes Read More »
Saving taxes probably isn’t your primary reason for supporting your favorite charities. But tax deductions can be a valuable added benefit. If you donate long-term appreciated stock, you potentially can save even more. Not just a deduction Appreciated publicly traded stock you’ve held more than one year is long-term capital gains property. If you donate
Boost your tax savings by donating appreciated stock instead of cash Read More »
Chances are, you’re more concerned about your 2024 tax return right now than you are about your 2025 tax situation. That’s understandable because your 2024 individual tax return is due to be filed by April 15 (unless you file for an extension). However, it’s a good time to familiarize yourself with tax amounts that may
Looking ahead to 2025 tax limits as you prepare to file your 2024 return Read More »
If you’re a philanthropic individual who is also obligated to take required minimum distributions (RMDs) from a traditional IRA, you may want to consider a tax-saving strategy. It involves making a qualified charitable distribution (QCD). How it works To reap the possible tax advantages of a QCD, you make a cash donation to an IRS-approved
Certain charitable donations allow you to avoid taxable IRA withdrawals Read More »
If you donate valuable items to charity and you want to deduct them on your tax return, you may be required to get an appraisal. The IRS requires donors and charitable organizations to supply certain information to prove their right to deduct charitable contributions. How can you protect your deduction? First, be aware that in
When do valuable gifts to charity require an appraisal? Read More »