Ways to Give

Helpful Highlights for Your 2025 Charitable Planning 

As year-end approaches, reviewing your charitable giving can help you make the most of your impact and potential tax benefits. Beginning in 2026, new tax rules will affect how gifts are deducted, making 2025 an especially advantageous year to give. You may want to consider accelerating your charitable giving into 2025 to ensure you receive the most favorable income-tax treatment for your philanthropic support. Here’s what to know: 

Change: New floor for itemizers
Starting in 2026, itemizers must give at least 0.5% of their adjusted gross income to claim a charitable deduction.
What it means for you: Consider maximizing your giving in 2025 before this new threshold takes effect. 

Change: New limit for top earners
Currently, top earners receive a 37% tax benefit per dollar deducted; in 2026, this will drop to 35%.
What it means for you: If you are in the highest tax bracket, consider giving more this year for greater tax savings. 

Change: Higher standard deduction made permanent and will be indexed for inflation
For 2025, the standard deduction will be $15,750 for single filers and $31,500 for married couples filing jointly. Additional deductions may apply for those 65 or older.
What it means for you: Even if you take the standard deduction, certain gifts - like appreciated stock, real estate, or IRA distributions for those 70½+ - may still provide tax advantages. 

Change: Deduction limit for cash gifts made permanent
What it means for you: You can still deduct cash gifts of up to 60% of your adjusted gross income. Consider a blended gift strategy that combines cash and non-cash assets to maximize your tax benefits as well as your impact. 

What doesn’t change: Whether you’re a first-time donor or a longtime supporter, your contributions continue to fuel H+H’s mission to inspire the intellect, touch the heart, elevate the soul, and connect all of us with our shared humanity through Baroque and Classical music. 

H+H does not provide tax or legal advice, but we’re happy to work with you and your advisors to help you achieve your philanthropic goals. Please contact our Development Department: development@handelandhaydn.org or 617.262.1815.