Smart Ways to Give Before 2025 Ends
Consider Tax Law Changes When You Donate
You can finish this year strong with a gift that maximizes your charitable impact at the Walnut Hills High School Alumni Foundation and that may reduce your taxes. Review the recent tax law changes below and consider how they might affect your giving in 2025:
Change: New floor for itemizers
Starting with the 2026 tax year, you will need to give at least 0.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI) 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 get a 37-cent tax benefit for every dollar deducted. Starting in 2026, that drops to 35 cents.
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 deduction will be $15,750 for single filers and $31,500 for married couples filing jointly. If you are 65 or older, you may qualify for a bonus deduction of up to $6,000, although it begins to phase out at higher income levels.
What it means for you: Even if you don’t itemize, you may still benefit if you give appreciated stock, real estate or, if you are 70½ or older, from your IRA.
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 AGI. Consider a blended gift strategy that combines cash and non-cash assets to maximize your tax benefits as well as your impact.
Great Year-End Gift Ideas This Year (and Beyond)
Make an Immediate Difference
Support the Walnut Hills High School Alumni Foundation with a cash gift via check or online. Your gift may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction. Unsure of whether your gift is tax-deductible? Contact your financial advisor or tax consultant.
Important note: If sending by mail, your envelope must be postmarked by the U.S. Postal Service on or before Dec. 31 for your donation to qualify this year.
Use Appreciated Stock
Donating appreciated stock that you have owned for longer than one year allows you to qualify for an income tax deduction and eliminate any tax on the appreciation.
Important note: If the stock is electronically transferred to us, the gift date is the day the stock enters our account, not the date you ask your broker to make the transfer.
Recommend a Grant From Your Donor Advised Fund (DAF)
If you are ready to make an impact in 2025 with your DAF, consider recommending a grant (or recurring grants) to support the WHHS Alumni Foundation.
Important note: You qualify for an income tax deduction only when you contribute funds to an existing DAF. Through your grant recommendation, however, you get the satisfaction of making a difference at the WHHS Alumni Foundation before the year ends.
Make a Gift From Your IRA
If you are 70½ or older, you can give any amount up to $108,000 from your IRA directly to the Walnut Hills High School Alumni Foundation. You will not pay income taxes on the transfer. This gift can also count toward your required minimum distributions.
Important note: Your IRA administrator must transfer the funds by Dec. 31. If you have check-writing features on your IRA, your check must clear your account by Dec. 31 to count toward your required minimum distribution for the calendar year.
Receive Income For Life
Charitable gift annuity rates are currently the highest they have been in almost two decades—but that could change. Why not take advantage of the higher rates by creating a gift annuity before 2025 ends?
Important note: Begin the process early to ensure completion by year-end. Contact us today for assistance.
You Can End 2025 on a High Note
For guidance on the best ways to leave a legacy at the Walnut Hills High School Alumni Foundation as we approach the end of the year, reach out to Debbie Heldman at 513-363-8496 or debbieheldman@gmail.com. We are happy to help ensure that you realize the greatest benefit for your kindness.