Charitable Donation Deduction Calculator
Charitable gifts reduce your tax only when you itemize — and with the 2026 standard deduction at $16,100 single / $32,200 joint, many donors get no benefit from giving. This calculator applies the AGI limits and tells you whether your giving actually saves tax.
How to use this calculator
- Enter cash donations this year.
- Enter donated stocks/bonds (fair market value).
- Enter adjusted gross income.
- Enter filing status.
- Your results appear instantly below and update as you change the numbers.
How this calculator works
Cash gifts are deductible up to 60% of your adjusted gross income, and appreciated assets like stocks are limited to 30% of AGI. The deduction only matters if your total itemized deductions exceed the 2026 standard deduction — otherwise the IRS gives you the standard deduction automatically and the donations add no tax benefit.
Frequently asked questions
I donate $2,000 a year — does it save me tax?
Probably not, if that is your only itemized deduction: $2,000 is far below the $16,100 single standard deduction. Donations only start saving tax once your combined itemized deductions pass the standard amount.
What is 'bundling' donations?
Putting several years of planned giving into a single tax year so the total clears the standard deduction, letting you itemize every few years instead of never. Donor-advised funds are the common vehicle for this.
Is donating appreciated stock better than cash?
Usually yes: you deduct the full fair-market value without paying capital gains tax on the growth — so a $10,000 stock gift can beat a $10,000 cash gift by the tax you would have owed on the gains.
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.