Tax Season Debrief: Donor Regrets (And How to Avoid Them)

Apr 21, 2026

As tax season draws to a close, it’s a good time to reflect—especially with 2026 tax changes ahead. With higher standard deductions and new limits like the 0.5% floor and 35% cap, planning earlier in the year can make a meaningful difference. While we are not tax advisors, here are common pitfalls we see:

Giving cash instead of appreciated assets – Selling investments to donate cash can trigger capital gains tax. Donating appreciated assets directly may be more tax-efficient.
Missing “bunching” opportunities – Spreading gifts across years may keep you below the standard deduction. Consolidating donations into one year can increase your tax benefit.
Lack of documentation – Without proper receipts or acknowledgments, even valid deductions can be denied.
Overlooking QCDs – If you’re 70½+, you can give directly from your IRA to satisfy RMDs without increasing taxable income (currently not eligible for donor-advised funds).
Donating to non-qualified organizations – Contributions to entities that aren’t 501(c)(3) nonprofits are not tax-deductible.
Overvaluing non-cash donations – Be sure to use fair market value for items like clothing or vehicles to avoid issues in an audit.

The weeks right after you file your tax return are one of the best times to reflect — while everything is still fresh. Connect with your tax advisor and reach out to our team to start planning your giving for the year ahead.