Charitable Donation Tax Calculator
Calculate your tax savings from cash, stock, or property donations.
Donation Details
Your Tax Situation
Total Tax Savings
$2,900
Your Effective Cost
$7,100
Cost Per $1 Donated
$0.71
Tax Breakdown
Tax Strategy Notes
- Donations over $250 require a written acknowledgment from the charity. Over $5,000 in non-cash donations requires a qualified appraisal.
Estimates only. Consult a tax advisor for your specific situation. Subject to AGI limits and IRS documentation requirements.
How Charitable Donation Tax Deductions Work
When you donate to a qualified 501(c)(3) charity and itemize deductions, you can deduct the donation from your taxable income. Cash donations are deductible up to 60% of your adjusted gross income (AGI). Appreciated stock held over one year can be donated at fair market value — you avoid capital gains tax and get the full deduction, capped at 30% of AGI. Excess donations carry forward for up to 5 years.
Tax Savings by Income and Donation Amount
Assumes itemizing, married filing jointly, including state tax at 5%:
| Taxable Income | Federal Rate | $5,000 Donation | $10,000 Donation | $25,000 Donation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $100,000 | 22% | $1,350 | $2,700 | $6,750 |
| $200,000 | 24% | $1,450 | $2,900 | $7,250 |
| $400,000 | 32% | $1,850 | $3,700 | $9,250 |
| $600,000+ | 37% | $2,100 | $4,200 | $10,500 |
Cash vs Stock Donations — Which Saves More?
| Method | Deduction | Capital Gains Tax | AGI Limit | Best When |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash donation | Amount donated | N/A | 60% of AGI | No appreciated assets available |
| Appreciated stock (long-term) | Fair market value | Avoided entirely | 30% of AGI | Large unrealized gains |
| Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) | Year of contribution | Avoided if stock | Same as above | Bunching multiple years' donations |
| QCD from IRA (age 70½+) | Reduces RMD income | N/A | $105,000/year | Don't itemize, have IRA |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deduct donations if I take the standard deduction?
No. The temporary $300/$600 non-itemizer deduction expired after 2021. To deduct charitable donations in 2026, you must itemize. If your total itemized deductions (mortgage interest, state taxes up to $10K, charitable gifts) exceed the standard deduction ($30,000 married, $15,000 single), itemizing saves you more. Consider "bunching" — making two years' worth of donations in one year to exceed the standard deduction threshold.
What records do I need for donation deductions?
Under $250: bank statement or receipt. $250+: written acknowledgment from the charity before filing. Non-cash donations over $500 require Form 8283. Over $5,000 in non-cash donations (except publicly traded securities) requires a qualified appraisal. Keep all documentation — the IRS can deny deductions without proper records.
See also: Federal Income Tax Calculator and Capital Gains Tax Calculator.