Let’s talk about giving. Not the performative, tax-season-only kind. I’m talking about the kind that keeps churches running, youth fed, mutual aid funded, and the community afloat.

Most of us give more than we get credit for. But for years, the tax code made it so you had to itemize your deductions to get any benefit. That left a lot of working-class and middle-income families out.

That just changed.

WHAT’S NEW?

Thanks to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, you can now deduct up to $1,000 (individual) or $2,000 (married filing jointly) in charitable contributions even if you take the standard deduction.

Let me say that again: You don’t have to itemize to get a tax break for giving.

WHO THIS HELPS

This update is a win for:

Everyday givers—those tithing at church, dropping donations at food drives, or giving to local causes without a tax strategy
Faith-based communities keeping spiritual and social support alive
Social justice donors supporting mutual aid, bail funds, grassroots orgs
Lower- to middle-income families who give generously but never saw a tax benefit before

This deduction is finally acknowledging what’s always been true—giving happens at all income levels, not just among the wealthy.

WHAT QUALIFIES AS A DEDUCTIBLE GIFT?

To be eligible, your donation must go to a qualified charitable organization, which includes:

501(c)(3) nonprofits (check IRS database)
Churches, mosques, synagogues, and other faith-based orgs
Mutual aid networks and community centers registered as nonprofits
Educational, youth, and health-based organizations

You can donate cash, check, card, or digital payment (Venmo, Cash App, etc.) as long as there’s a paper trail.

ACTION STEPS TO CLAIM THIS RIGHT

1. Track Every Donation

Keep digital receipts or email confirmations
Screenshot mobile app donations if needed

2. Verify the Organization’s Status

Use the IRS Tax Exempt Org Search Tool to confirm eligibility
Don’t guess—your cousin’s GoFundMe isn’t deductible (even if it’s worthy)

3. Keep a Year-End Donation Log

Create a running list with date, org, amount, and method of payment
Add up your giving to see if you hit the $1,000/$2,000 mark

4. File Using the Standard Deduction + Charitable Line

Tell your tax preparer you gave to charity
This deduction has its own line—make sure it’s included even if you don’t itemize

5. Give Intentionally

If you’re close to the limit, consider giving a little more before year-end
Stretch what you’re already doing to get the full deduction

WHY THIS MATTERS

Because giving is part of the culture. It’s spiritual. It’s community survival. And for too long, the tax system ignored the fact that the most generous people aren’t always the ones with stock portfolios.

This update puts power back in the hands of everyday philanthropists—teachers, barbers, aunties, activists, faith leaders, neighbors.

We give because it’s who we are. Now the tax code finally gives back a little, too.

FINAL WORDS

Don’t leave this money on the table. If you’re already giving, make it count. If you haven’t been tracking, start today.

This is one of the few parts of the tax bill that actually centers community.

Use it. Maximize it. Multiply it.

Let’s build.

Give Back and Get Credit—Charitable Deductions Without Itemizing