HOW TAX CHANGES WILL AFFECT CHARITABLE GIVING
FROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS

with
Thad Ismart | CFP®, ChFEBC, CEPS
 Senior Financial Planner

About This Episode

Major tax changes are coming in 2026, and they’ll reshape how Americans give to charity. In this episode, BWFA’s Thad Ismart, CFP®, ChFEBC, CEPS, explains what’s changing, who’s affected, and how to make the most of your charitable donations under the new rules.

Full Description

Charitable giving is about more than generosity—it’s also an important financial planning tool. But as key tax provisions are set to expire in 2026, many households could see the value of their charitable deductions change dramatically.

In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, BWFA’s Thad Ismart, CFP®, ChFEBC, CEPS, Senior Financial Planner, outlines the upcoming changes to charitable giving and what donors should consider now. Under current law, those who take the standard deduction may soon qualify for a new above-the-line charitable deduction: $1,000 for individuals and $2,000 for married couples. While that’s welcome news for many, itemizers will face new thresholds and reduced deduction rates.

Thad explains how these adjustments may affect high-income earners and retirees who rely on charitable giving to manage taxes and support causes they care about. He also discusses how Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from IRAs remain one of the most efficient strategies for donors over age 70½, offering a way to give tax-free while satisfying required minimum distributions.

Listeners will learn how to use timing to their advantage—whether it’s accelerating donations before 2026, adjusting income levels, or combining giving strategies with estate and retirement planning. The key takeaway is simple: with the right planning, you can continue giving generously while maximizing your tax benefits.

At BWFA, we help clients align charitable goals with financial objectives to create meaningful and lasting impact. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone who wants to give smarter in the years ahead.

For more information, visit BWFA’s Financial Planning Services.