As 2025 draws to a close, you can make a powerful difference through Mission Belonging—while also making the most of your charitable tax benefits. Here’s what recent and upcoming tax changes could mean for you:
Key Tax Law Updates to Know
New floor for itemizers
Starting in 2026, taxpayers must give at least 0.5% of adjusted gross income (AGI) to claim a charitable deduction.
What this means: Consider maximizing your giving in 2025 before this new threshold takes effect.
New limit for top earners
The tax benefit for top earners will drop from 37¢ to 35¢ per dollar deducted beginning in 2026.
What this means: If you’re in a higher tax bracket, giving before year-end may provide greater savings.
Higher State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction cap
The SALT deduction limit increases from $10,000 to $40,000 in 2025 and rises 1% annually through 2029 before reverting in 2030.
What this means: If you live in a high-tax state, this change may offer added flexibility for your overall tax and charitable strategy.
Higher standard deduction made permanent
For 2025: $15,750 (single) | $31,500 (married filing jointly) | + up to $6,000 bonus for those 65+.
What this means: Even if you don’t itemize, charitable gifts can complement your broader tax strategy—especially when paired with appreciated assets or qualified charitable distributions.
Cash gift deduction limit made permanent
You can still deduct cash gifts up to 60% of AGI.
What this means: A blended giving strategy—mixing cash and non-cash assets—can maximize both your impact and your tax benefits.
Make an Immediate Difference
Your gift to Mission Belonging supports arts-based programs that combat loneliness and create community among service members, veterans, and neighbors nationwide.
Give online today or mail a check by December 31 to ensure your contribution qualifies for 2025 tax benefits.
Important: Mailed donations must be postmarked by the U.S. Postal Service on or before December 31 to count for this year.
If you have questions about the deductibility of your gift, please consult your financial advisor or tax professional.
Thank you for being part of our community. Your generosity helps us continue bringing creativity, connection, and belonging to those who need it most.
Ben Weakley spent fourteen years in the U.S. Army, beginning with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan and finishing at a desk inside the Pentagon. He writes poetry and prose about the enduring nature of war and the human experience for veterans, their families, and anyone who would help them bear witness to war and its aftermath.
A believer in the power of words to empower and heal, Ben leads writing workshops for Active Duty Military, Veterans, their families and caregivers, as well as Frontline Health Care Workers and other communities of ordinary people bearing witness to a difficult world.
Ben lives in the Tri-Cities of Northeast Tennessee with his wife, two children, and a well-meaning but poorly behaved hound-dog.
