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Charitable Cash Donation Deductions

Historically, only people who itemized deductions on their tax returns could deduct contributions to charities. However, beginning this year, taxpayers may now qualify to deduct up to $1,000 in cash donations (up to $2,000 for joint filers), regardless of whether they itemize or use a standard deduction.

Only contributions to qualified, tax-exempt charitable organizations (not individuals) are deductible. You can check the official IRS list of tax-exempt charities (link below) to verify an organization's eligibility to receive tax-deductible donations. For monetary contributions, save bank records, canceled checks and/or receipts showing each organization's name, along with the date and amount of each donation. The IRS requires a written acknowledgement from the charity for each individual contribution of $250 or more, showing both the donation amount and the value of anything you receive in return (such as tee shirts, totes, etc.).

You still need to itemize in order to deduct contributions of property, and must have detailed records showing how you determined reasonable dollar values for the donations. For valuable items like collectibles or artwork, you may need a professional appraisal.

Tax Exempt Organization Search: https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/search-for-tax-exempt-organizations

Form 1099-K – Did You Know?

If you receive a Form 1099-K, review it for payments that may not be taxable, such as reimbursements from friends or family. If these payments were mistakenly included, ask the payment processor to issue a corrected form. Keep in mind that some transactions involving personal items may still have tax consequences, particularly if you sold an item for more than you paid for it.

Increased Standard Mileage Rates Starting July 1, 2026

Due to higher fuel prices, the IRS has increased the standard mileage rate for business driving to 76 cents per mile for mileage incurred on or after July 1, 2026. The rates for medical travel and eligible moving expenses have also increased to 23.5 cents per mile.

The charitable mileage rate remains unchanged at 14 cents per mile, while the previously announced 2026 rates continue to apply to mileage incurred before July 1.

Employer-Provided Childcare Tax Credit – Did You Know?

Businesses that offer childcare benefits to employees may qualify for the Employer-Provided Childcare Tax Credit for some of the expenses involved. Eligible costs may include acquiring, constructing, or improving a childcare facility, operating an on-site childcare program, contracting with a qualified childcare provider, or paying for childcare resource and referral services.

Beginning in 2026, the credit generally equals 40% of qualified childcare expenditures (or 50% for eligible small businesses) plus 10% of qualified childcare resource and referral expenses. The maximum annual credit has also increased to $500,000, or $600,000 for eligible small businesses.

Digital Asset Tax Reporting – Did You Know?

If you use a broker for digital asset transactions, such as selling, exchanging, or otherwise disposing of cryptocurrency or other digital assets, you may receive Form 1099-DA. Keep this form with your tax records, as you will need it to accurately report those transactions on your tax return.

New IRS Portal for Reporting Fraud and Scams

The IRS has launched a new portal that makes it easier to report instances of tax fraud, identity theft, IRS impersonation and other tax-related scams. On the new webpage (link below), people and businesses can report:

- Fake IRS phone calls, emails, and text and social media messages. Scammers posing as government agents often threaten people with arrest unless they submit immediate payments, often in a specific format like gift cards. The IRS does not operate in this way.
- Suspected tax fraud, such as tax evasion schemes or illegal use of offshore accounts.
- Identity theft, which should always be reported to the IRS immediately, even if other government and law enforcement agencies know about the crime.
- Suspicious tax preparation practices, such as a paid tax preparer refusing to sign your return or altering your income figures.

Citizen reporting often plays a critical role in catching scammers and bringing them to justice. This new system makes the process of filing a report less confusing and much more convenient.

IRS Fraud Reporting Site: https://www.irs.gov/help/report-fraud

IRS Offer in Compromise Program – Did You Know?

People who cannot pay their tax bills in full may have options to resolve the situation. One of these options is the Offer in Compromise (OIC) program, which allows eligible taxpayers to settle their debts with the IRS for less than the full amount owed.

Anyone considering an OIC should first check whether they qualify using the IRS Pre-Qualifier tool online (link below). Eligible taxpayers may then submit an application. In most cases, the application must be accompanied by a $205 fee and an initial payment toward the tax debt, although these requirements may be waived for lower-income applicants.

An OIC application requires detailed financial information and must be carefully prepared. Beware of aggressive ads promising to settle tax debts quickly for a small fraction of the amount owed. Companies behind these ads, often referred to as OIC mills, may charge substantial fees while submitting applications for people who have little chance of qualifying. A trusted tax professional can help ensure that an OIC application is complete, accurate, and has a reasonable chance of acceptance.

OIC Pre-Qualifier Online Tool: https://irs.treasury.gov/oic_pre_qualifier/

Quarterly Estimated Tax Payments – Reminder

If you are making quarterly estimated tax payments to the IRS, the due date for the April 1–May 31, 2026, payment period is coming up next Monday, June 15, 2026.

If you use IRS Direct Pay, payments can generally be made until 11:45 p.m. ET on the due date. If you pay by credit or debit card through an IRS-authorized payment processor, payments can generally be made until 11:59 p.m. ET on the due date.

Summer Activities and Taxes – Did You Know?

Summer is a time to relax and have fun, but some seasonal activities may have tax consequences. Being aware of them now may save you time and hassle later.

If your child attends a day camp so you can work or look for work, some of the cost may qualify for the Child and Dependent Care Credit. Be sure to keep records and obtain the camp's tax identification information.

Students with summer jobs may be entitled to tax refunds if income tax is withheld from their pay. Adults earning income from seasonal, part-time, or gig work may need additional withholding or quarterly estimated tax payments.

Summer is also a popular wedding season. If you change your name after marriage, update your records with the Social Security Administration. If you move, update your address with the IRS and submit a new Form W-4 to your employer so your withholding reflects your current tax situation.

National 529 Day – Did You Know?

If you put money into a 529 education savings plan, earnings may be withdrawn federal income tax-free when used for qualified education expenses. Qualified expenses can include tuition, fees, books, supplies, computers, and for students enrolled at least half-time, certain room and board costs.

While 529 contributions are not deductible for federal income tax purposes, many states offer a full or partial state income tax deduction or credit for contributions. Some states and plan sponsors may also offer special incentives around National 529 Day.

Recent law changes expanded the use of 529 plans. In 2026, up to $20,000 per year, per student, may be used for qualified K–12 education expenses at public, private, or religious schools. Prior years were generally limited to $10,000 annually.