Benjamin Franklin’s musing that “in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes” might sound pessimistic, but what if those inevitable taxes could benefit the LPCC?  Would paying taxes be a little more palatable if they  helped fund a playground renovation, installation of audio/visual equipment, refinishing the floors, or more community events at the LPCC?

New tax laws make it advantageous for those who take the standard deduction to donate in 2026 to the LPCC (a 501c3 charitable organization). Starting in 2026, for the first time, cash gifts up to $1,000 for single filers or $2,000 for married couples filing jointly can be deducted in addition to the standard deduction. For those who claim itemized deductions, the new rules become more complex. Beginning in 2026:

Only donations that exceed 0.5% of adjusted gross income (AGI) will be deductible. If you make $250k in household AGI, that means your first $1,250 in charitable donations will not be deductible. Donations to the LPCC made in 2025 are fully deductible. 

All deductions for taxpayers in the highest marginal bracket (37%) will be capped at a rate of 35%. This means that if you donate $1000 to the LPCC in 2025, you can deduct $370, but if you wait until 2026, you can only deduct $350. 

The temporary 60%-of-AGI deduction limit for cash gifts to public charities will become permanent. It was set to expire and revert back to a limit of 50%. So if you are planning to donate 60% of your adjusted gross income to the LPCC, you can deduct it all and we support that!  

Donors can still avoid capital gains tax by gifting appreciated stocks or other assets held for longer than a year. In fact, donating appreciated stocks yields a double tax benefit – you avoid paying capital gains by not realizing the gain AND you can deduct the full fair market value of the donated stock. 

So please consider spending your tax dollars in your own community by donating to the LPCC in 2025 and 2026. Checks can be mailed to: LPCC at 414 N. Fillmore Street, Arlington, VA 22201. Cash donations can be made at https://lyonpark.info/donate. For more information on how to donate appreciated stocks, other assets or to make a substantial cash donation, contact the Board of Governors at LPCCGovernors@gmail.com. Thank you!.