As the year comes to an end, it’s a great time to make a gift that helps feed our neighbors while also maximizing your impact. A year-end donation to the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana can help provide food to children, families, and senior while possibly offering valuable tax benefits.
Tax Changes to Consider
Several upcoming tax law changes may influence how and when you give:
- New giving threshold (effective 2026): Starting next year, you’ll need to donate at least 0.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI) to claim a charitable deduction. Giving more in 2025 may help you maximize your deduction before this change.
- Lower deduction value for top earners (effective 2026): The tax benefit for those in the highest bracket will drop from 37 cents to 35 cents per dollar deducted, making 2025 an ideal time to give.
- Higher SALT deduction beginning in 2025: The State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction cap increases from $10,000 to $40,000, offering potential relief for itemizers and influencing overall tax planning.
- Standard deduction remains high: For 2025, the standard deduction is $15,750 for single filers and $31,500 for married couples. Those age 65+ may qualify for an additional deduction. Even if you don’t itemize, gifts of appreciated assets or IRA distributions can still provide tax advantages.
- Cash gift limits remain: Cash gifts may still be deducted up to 60% of your AGI, allowing for flexible and impactful giving strategies.
Simple Ways to Make a Year-End Gift
There are several meaningful ways to support the Food Bank before December 31:
- Make a gift online or by check. Mailed donations must be postmarked by December 31 to count for this year.
- Donate appreciated stock to avoid capital gains taxes while receiving a charitable deduction.
- Recommend a grant from your donor-advised fund (DAF) to make an immediate impact.
Additional Ways to Make a Difference
For more information on supporting the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana as we approach the end of the year, or move into 2026, please reach out to Sarah Hoffman at 318-322-3567 or visit our planned giving site which features a custom gift illustrator tool to discover which gift may best suit your needs.
