Now is one of the best times to reflect on your charitable giving—while tax season is still fresh.
After the deadline has passed, it’s tempting to move on and not revisit these decisions until later in the year. But the weeks immediately following filing your tax return are actually one of the best times to take a step back and reflect—while the details are still fresh. This is especially important in 2026 because so many tax laws have changed.
Many donors share a few common regrets. The good news? Small changes can lead to better outcomes next year.
Giving cash instead of appreciated assets
Donating appreciated assets like stock or real estate—rather than selling and giving cash—may help you avoid capital gains tax and maximize your deduction.
Missing the opportunity to “bunch” donations
With a higher standard deduction, spreading gifts across years may limit tax benefits. Bunching multiple years of giving into one year—often through a donor-advised fund—can help you exceed the threshold and itemize.
Lack of proper documentation
Without required records, even legitimate deductions can be disallowed. Written acknowledgments and proper documentation are essential.
Additional pitfalls include overlooking Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), giving to non-qualified organizations, and overvaluing non-cash gifts.
Planning ahead—early in the year—can help you avoid these issues and improve both the impact and efficiency of your giving. Our team is here to help you get it right.