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Tax Strategy

If giving is part of who you are, there may be ways to give more, give smarter, and improve the tax outcome at the same time.

Most donors write checks from their bank account. It works, but it may not be the most efficient path. Donor-advised funds, qualified charitable distributions, appreciated stock gifts, and charitable trusts are all tools worth knowing about, and the rules around charitable deductions changed in 2026.

How We Can Help
Donor-Advised Funds
A donor-advised fund (DAF) lets you make a charitable contribution, take the deduction in the year you give, and recommend grants to charities over time. It's a flexible tool for people who want to bunch several years of charitable giving into one year to clear the deduction floor, or who want to involve family members in the giving process.

Qualified Charitable Distributions
For clients age 70 1/2 and older, a QCD may be one of the most efficient ways to give. It allows you to transfer funds directly from your IRA to a qualified charity, up to $111,000 per year in 2026, indexed annually for inflation. The distribution counts toward your required minimum distribution but isn't included in taxable income. Because it never hits your return as income, the 0.5% AGI floor doesn't apply to it.
Charitable Remainder Trusts
A charitable remainder trust (CRT) can provide income to you or your family for a set term or for life, with the remaining assets going to charity when the term ends. A charitable lead trust works in the opposite direction, with the charity receiving income first and the remainder passing to heirs. Both are more advanced structures and are worth reviewing alongside your estate attorney and tax professional.
Involving Family in Giving
For clients who want to make philanthropy a family value, giving can be more than a check. Donor-advised funds, family foundations, and structured giving programs can involve children and grandchildren in the decision-making process. It's a way to pass on values alongside assets.
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The right planning makes a real difference.

Your giving deserves the same care and strategy as the rest of your financial plan.

When you’re ready to bring it all together, we’re here.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®) is a professional designation focused on charitable giving strategy. The training includes education on the technical, legal, and strategic dimensions of philanthropic planning, including donor-advised funds, charitable trusts, and qualified charitable distributions. Chris Hilyer holds this designation at Heritage Wealth Solutions.

For individuals, the floor is 0.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI). For corporations, the floor is 1% of taxable income. Only charitable contributions above the floor are deductible. This applies to contributions made in 2026 and beyond.

The qualified charitable distribution limit for 2026 is $111,000 per person. For married couples filing jointly where each spouse has an IRA, the combined limit is $222,000. The amount is indexed annually for inflation.

Donating appreciated stock held longer than a year may be more tax-efficient than giving cash. You may avoid capital gains tax on the appreciation and may receive a deduction for the fair market value, subject to applicable limits. Consult your tax advisor about your situation.

It depends on your giving level and income. If your annual donations fall below the 0.5% AGI floor, a donor-advised fund lets you bunch multiple years of gifts into one contribution and recommend grants over time. For donors whose annual giving already exceeds the floor, direct giving still works well.

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