Learn more about how the new tax law will impact giving to the Food Bank through your IRA.

The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is committed to ending hunger in Los Angeles County and ensuring your generosity is as effective—and tax-savvy—as possible. With 96% of all proceeds going directly to programs, giving to the Food Bank is one of the most effective ways to make a positive difference in your community.

The following are the latest tax law developments and what they mean for donors.

IRA Charitable Gifts

If you’re 70½ or older, you can contribute up to $108,000 directly from your IRA to a qualified charity—like the Food Bank—without paying income tax. Known as the Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) or IRA charitable rollover, this gift:

• Satisfies some or all of your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD).
• Reduces adjusted gross income (AGI), potentially lowering Medicare premiums or taxable Social Security income.
• Does not count as taxable income, yet still supports our mission today.

What’s Changing Starting 2026: Tax Landscape Shifts for Giving

Starting in 2026, there will be significant tax reforms that affect both everyday donors and those planning larger contributions:

• Expanded Deduction for Non-Itemizers: If you don’t itemize deductions, you’ll still be able to deduct up to $1,000 (individual) or $2,000 (joint filers) in charitable giving annually beginning in 2026.
• Standard Deduction Increased and Made Permanent: The enhanced standard deduction remains—and grows:
  • $31,500 for joint filers
  • $23,500 for heads of household
  • $15,750 for singles

This means many fewer taxpayers will itemize, reducing the tax benefit for traditional charitable deductions.

• New Deduction “Floor” for Itemizers: Starting 2026, itemized charitable contributions are only deductible above 0.5% of your AGI, potentially diminishing benefits for moderate-sized gifts.

Why IRA Giving Is a Good Idea

Given the new restrictions and reduced incentives for itemizers, IRA charitable gifts via QCD stand out for:

• Tax flexibility: QCDs don’t require itemizing to reap tax advantages
• High value today: Still capped at $108,000 per person in 2025
• Immediate impact: Your gift goes straight to feeding our neighbors

Your Next Steps

• Use your QCD before year-end to maximize tax efficiency while supporting Food Bank programs.
• Explore other means like: 
  • Recommending a grant from your donor-advised fund (DAF) 
  • Consider giving  appreciated securities which provide double tax benefits.
• Plan ahead for 2026: With limited deductions for both itemizers and non-itemizers, consider how a QCD now can amplify your impact.

The IRA charitable rollover continues to offer a powerful way to support our neighbors at a time when tax-smart giving matters more than ever. Thank you for considering a gift that not only feeds but also empowers. Contact our Planned Giving Director, Debra Beadle, for more information. 

We encourage you to consult with your tax advisor to understand how these changes may affect your giving in 2025 and beyond.