At the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, we’re deeply grateful for the generosity of our community. Every donation helps provide nourishing food to neighbors across Los Angeles County. As tax season approaches, many supporters ask whether they can receive tax benefits from charitable giving, especially if they take the standard deduction rather than itemizing their taxes.

While tax rules can change and individual situations vary, here’s a helpful overview of what short-form (standard deduction) taxpayers should know.

What Is a Short-Form (Standard Deduction) Taxpayer?

Most taxpayers today choose the standard deduction, also known as filing a “short-form” return, rather than itemizing deductions. This option simplifies filing and, for many households, provides the greatest tax benefit without requiring the tracking of individual deductible expenses, such as mortgage interest or charitable contributions.

Can You Receive a Tax Benefit for Charitable Giving If You Don’t Itemize?

In most cases, charitable donations are only deductible if you itemize your tax return. However, in recent years, temporary provisions allowed some standard deduction filers to claim limited charitable deductions. Whether those provisions apply depends on the specific tax year and current IRS guidance.

Even if you don’t receive a direct tax deduction, your gift still plays a vital role in supporting hunger-relief efforts across our region.

Why Giving Still Matters, With or Without a Deduction

For many donors, the greatest return on giving is the impact it creates:

• Helping families, seniors, veterans, and children access nutritious food
• Supporting a network of hundreds of local partner agencies
• Strengthening communities during times of rising food costs and economic uncertainty

Every dollar donated helps move us closer to a hunger-free Los Angeles County.

Other Ways to Give

If you’re interested in maximizing your impact, you might also explore options such as:

• Monthly giving, which provides steady support year-round
• Employer matching gifts, which can double or even triple your contribution
• Donating food or volunteering, which directly supports our operations

Whether or not you receive a tax benefit, your generosity helps ensure that our neighbors across Los Angeles County have access to nourishing food when they need it most.

A gift to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank helps provide meals to children, families, seniors, veterans, and neighbors facing food and nutrition insecurity, today and throughout the year.

Give now to help feed our neighbors. Together, we can continue working toward a hunger-free Los Angeles County. Together, #WeFeedLA.

Disclaimer:

The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is not a tax advisor, financial planner, or accounting professional. The information shared here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered tax advice. We encourage you to consult a qualified tax professional or visit IRS.gov for guidance specific to your situation.