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Give More, Owe Less: Smarter Charitable Giving in 2026

New charitable-giving rules took effect in 2026, making this a good year to revisit not only how much you give, but how you give it. For families that make meaningful gifts, choosing the right asset and timing contributions can affect both tax savings and the amount that reaches charity. Here are several strategies worth reviewing.

Understanding Deduction Limits

Cash gifts to many public charities are generally deductible up to 60% of AGI, while gifts of appreciated publicly traded securities held more than one year are generally subject to a 30% limit. Contributions above these limits may generally be carried forward for up to five years. 

Timing Matters

Beginning in 2026, itemizers may deduct only charitable contributions that exceed 0.5% of AGI each year. This new annual floor can make “bunching” gifts more tax-efficient. For example, instead of making the same gift every year, a family might make two years of planned contributions in one year and skip the following year, subjecting the gifts to the 0.5% floor only once rather than twice. 

Cash vs. Appreciated Securities

Donating appreciated publicly traded securities held more than one year can be more tax-efficient than selling them and donating cash. In many cases, the donor can deduct fair market value while avoiding recognition of the capital gain that would otherwise result from a sale.

Qualified Charitable Distributions from IRAs

If you’re age 70½ or older, you may be able to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution directly from an eligible IRA to a qualified charity. A QCD may be excluded from taxable income and can count toward a required minimum distribution. For 2026, the annual QCD limit is $111,000 per eligible IRA owner.

How The Milwaukee Company Can Help

As part of our Family Office Services, we can help coordinate several aspects of charitable giving, including:

  • Tracking contributions and charitable acknowledgments through the year
  • Identifying and coordinating gifts of appreciated publicly traded securities
  • Coordinating eligible QCDs and other giving strategies with your broader plan
  • Working with your CPA and estate attorney so charitable giving aligns with your tax, financial, and estate-planning goals

To get started, contact Hannah Floger at hfolger@themilwaukeecomapny.com.