Charitable Bunching Calculator
With the 2026 standard deduction at $16,100 (single) / $32,200 (joint), annual giving below that amount saves zero tax. Bunching — concentrating years of donations into one tax year through a donor-advised fund — is the workaround. This calculator proves the math.
How to use this calculator
- Enter annual giving amount.
- Enter other itemized deductions (SALT, mortgage interest).
- Enter standard deduction.
- Enter marginal tax rate.
- Enter bunching cycle (years).
- Your results appear instantly below and update as you change the numbers.
How this calculator works
Giving every year, your itemized total (giving + other deductions) usually stays below the standard deduction — so the donations save nothing. Bunching every N years via a donor-advised fund: in the bunch year, N years of giving plus your other deductions clear the standard by a wide margin, and you itemize that year while taking the standard in between. The calculator totals tax saved both ways.
Frequently asked questions
What is a donor-advised fund (DAF)?
A charitable account you fund in one year (deductible then) and grant out over the following years. It is the standard vehicle for bunching — you get the deduction immediately but control the giving over time.
Does bunching change how much I give?
No — total giving over the cycle is identical. Bunching only changes the timing of the deduction, which is what makes itemizing clear the standard deduction in the bunch year.
Does a DAF cost anything?
Most providers charge a small annual fee (0.15–0.60% of the account) and some have minimums — worth checking against the tax saved, which this calculator estimates.
Disclaimer: Results are estimates for general information only and do not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Figures reflect 2026 rules and may change. Always confirm current limits and consult a qualified professional before making decisions. Official figures: IRS.gov · 2026 limits per IRS tax inflation adjustments.