For years, many of our most dedicated supporters have missed out on tax benefits because they don’t itemize their income tax deductions. In fact, about 90% of taxpayers claim the standard deduction and don’t receive any tax break for their charitable giving.

That changes now.

Starting in 2026, a powerful new incentive, the universal charitable deduction, is available for donors who take the standard deduction. Even if you don’t itemize, you can now reduce your taxable income by making a direct impact on the causes you love.

How much can you deduct?

This new law allows you to claim an income tax deduction for cash contributions in addition to your standard deduction:

• Single filers: Up to $1,000
• Married couples (filing jointly): Up to $2,000

This deduction applies to gifts made beginning in 2026 and will be claimed on tax returns filed in 2027.

Give more than you thought possible

The universal charitable deduction is a great way to make your gift go further. By lowering your taxable income, the amount of income tax you pay is reduced, and you can use your tax savings to increase your monthly gift or make that special year-end contribution you’ve been considering.

To qualify, your gifts must be made in cash (which includes checks, credit cards or electronic transfers) directly to the MUSC Foundation. Gifts to donor-advised funds do not qualify for this non-itemizer deduction.

Your support has always been driven by your heart – and now, the tax code is finally catching up. Use this new tax benefit to maximize your impact and join a new era of giving where every donor is recognized.