How Tax Reform Could Hit Charitable Giving

But another factor—the tax benefits for giving—could soon change if lawmakers push through tax reform.

Few people donate simply because of the tax breaks and are unlikely to stop giving altogether if they don't get any. But analyses from the Congressional Budget Office and others have found that tax incentives typically increase how much you choose to donate—whether in life or at death.

That's why Republican proposals to reduce or eliminate key tax breaks for giving has charity experts a little concerned. Specifically, President Trump and House Republicans have proposed to nearly double the standard deduction, lower income tax rates and repeal the estate tax.