October is already here, and year-end planning is underway. Even if you have discussed deadlines with clients, keep reminding them. They value knowing you are tracking their estate, tax, and financial planning priorities.
Charitable giving deserves special attention this year: new deduction rules took effect in 2026, markets may have created opportunities to donate appreciated assets, and clients’ family and financial circumstances continue to change.
Use this five-item checklist in client conversations before December 31.
Cash is Not King!
Before a client writes a check, review appreciated stock. Donating publicly traded securities held more than one year can generally avoid recognition of unrealized gains and support a fair-market-value deduction, subject to limitations. Baltimore Community Foundation makes it simple to donate shares to a donor-advised or other charitable fund.
Closely held business interests and other appreciated property may also offer planning opportunities. Because these gifts require advance review, start now; the community foundation can help you assess whether an asset is appropriate for a donation.
Much Ado About Bunching
With a higher standard deduction and a new 0.5%-of-AGI floor on itemized charitable deductions, clients may benefit from concentrating several years of gifts into one tax year. A donor-advised fund can receive a larger contribution now while allowing your client to make grants to charities over time.
Client 70½ or Older? Ask About QCDs. Always.
A Qualified Charitable Distribution from an IRA can support favorite charities. The 2026 limit is $111,000 per taxpayer, and a QCD can count toward a required minimum distribution while generally excluding the qualifying amount from taxable income. Under current law, QCDs cannot go to donor-advised funds, but many donors work with us to establish a designated or field of interest fund for their QCDs. Learn more here or give us a call.
Non-Itemizers, Raise Your Hands!
Beginning in 2026, clients taking the standard deduction may still deduct up to $1,000 in qualifying cash charitable contributions, or $2,000 for married couples filing jointly, subject to limitations. Only cash gifts count, and donor-advised fund gifts are excluded.
Think Long-Term
Alongside December 31 planning, revisit clients’ long-term charitable plans. Confirm that wills, trusts, and IRA beneficiary designations reflect their current intentions and consider whether a community foundation or fund belongs in the estate plan.
As you address year-end priorities, please reach out to our Philanthropy team. We are honored to support your clients’ charitable giving and to be your first call when philanthropy arises in your work.
