The Republican Party’s new tax proposal, called the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill,’ introduces a special tax break for charitable donations. It’s an “above-the-line” deduction, which means you can claim it even if you take the standard deduction—you don’t need to itemize your taxes.
This idea brings back a feature that was temporarily allowed under the CARES Act but expired in 2021. The Senate wants to make this deduction permanent, allowing up to $1,000 for individuals and $2,000 for joint filers, while the House supports a smaller amount.
Who Can Qualify for the Deduction
Nearly 90% of taxpayers may be eligible for this new charitable deduction. It’s designed to support anyone who gives to qualified charities, not just high-income earners.
The deduction would apply starting after December 31, 2025, and the Senate wants it to stay in place permanently. Lawmakers hope this move will encourage more people across the country to donate to charitable causes.
How It Affects Your Taxes
This kind of deduction can lower the amount of income you pay taxes on. The higher your tax bracket, the more you could save.
For example, someone in the 10% tax bracket might save $100 from a $1,000 donation, while someone in the 35% bracket could save $350. This setup gives a strong financial reason to give to charity, especially for those in higher-income groups.
Rules for Donations
To get the tax break, your donations must go to qualified charitable organizations. That means you can’t claim donations to political campaigns, crowdfunding sites, or donor-advised funds.
For any donation over $250, you’ll need to get a receipt. It’s also a good idea to check the IRS’s online tool to confirm that the group you’re donating to is officially tax-exempt.
What the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ Includes
This new tax break is just one part of a larger plan called the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill,’ which aims to make the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act’s individual tax cuts permanent.
The House passed its version of the bill in May, and the Senate released some of its proposals, like changes to student loans, in June. The goal is to get the full package ready and approved by the President by July 4.
Other Tax Breaks in the Proposal
The bill includes more than just the charitable deduction. It also proposes to remove taxes on tips, overtime pay, and auto loan interest, while raising the standard deduction for all taxpayers.
These updates are part of the Republicans’ larger mission to make the tax code simpler and offer more savings for average Americans.
Concerns Over Student Loan Changes
Some experts are worried about one part of the bill that would end the pause on student loan payments during financial hardship.
They fear it could cause more people to fall behind on their loans. But Senator Bill Cassidy defends the plan, saying it protects taxpayers who didn’t go to college from having to cover costs for those who did. Supporters claim these changes could save taxpayers at least $300 billion over time.
FAQs
Do I need to itemize my taxes to claim the new charitable deduction?
No, the new charitable deduction is an “above-the-line” benefit, so you can claim it even if you take the standard deduction.
When does the new charitable tax deduction take effect?
The deduction would start applying to tax years beginning after December 31, 2025. If passed, the Senate wants to make it a permanent part of the tax code.
What types of donations qualify for the deduction?
Only donations made to qualified charitable organizations are eligible. Contributions to political campaigns, donor-advised funds, or personal crowdfunding pages do not qualify.
How much can I save with this deduction?
Your savings depend on your tax bracket. A $1,000 donation could save someone in the 10% bracket $100, while someone in the 35% bracket could save $350.
Robby is a dedicated finance blog writer with a talent for breaking down financial concepts into clear, actionable advice. He covers everything from debt management and credit tips to investing and retirement planning, helping readers make confident money decisions. Robby's goal is to educate and inspire others to build lasting financial health.