What’s the real
cost of my donation?
If you itemize, a charitable donation reduces your taxable income — which means the net cost to you is less than the gift amount. This tool shows the federal (and optional state) benefit, and your true after-tax cost.
Only useful if you itemize. The 2026 std deduction is $15,750 single / $31,500 MFJ; your itemized total has to clear that for the donation to matter.
Disclaimer: Assumes you itemize and the donation is fully deductible (within AGI limits). Doesn’t model phase-outs, AMT, or appreciated-securities basis. For DAF, QCDs, and appreciated-stock strategies, talk to a CPA.
Beyond writing
a check.
Cash is the simplest form, but rarely the most efficient. A few moves can multiply the after-tax impact of the same generosity.
Donate appreciated securities
Gifting long-term stock (held > 1 year) lets you deduct fair market value and avoid the capital gain you’d owe on a sale. Two tax benefits, one gift.
Bunch donations into one year
If your annual giving hovers near the standard deduction, bunch two or three years into one and itemize that year; take the standard in off years.
Use a Donor-Advised Fund
Fund a DAF in a high-income year (deduct immediately), distribute to charities over multiple years. Common move for liquidity events and bonus years.
Qualified Charitable Distribution
Over 70½ with an IRA? A QCD up to $108,000 (2026) goes directly from IRA to charity, satisfies your RMD, and never hits your AGI. Best move available, period.
Planning a six- or seven-figure
gift this year?
The structure matters more than the amount. Schedule a call before you write the check — there’s usually a better path.