Year-End Tax Planning

Tax Planning Conversations: What’s Top of Mind in 2026

The tax landscape was relatively calm in 2026, compared to the overhaul under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) last year. However, taxpayers need to be aware of key changes that went into effect this year and could impact tax planning strategies in future years.
Oct 16, 2026  |  4 minute read
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Key Takeaways
  • 1
    Itemizing may be a less attractive option in 2026.
    Beginning in 2026, the maximum value of each dollar of itemized deductions is capped at 35% (down from 37% in 2025) and a new 0.5% adjusted gross income (AGI) floor applies to charitable donations—reducing the tax benefits of charitable giving in 2026. For taxpayers taking the standard deduction, there is a new charitable deduction of $1,000 (single filers) or $2,000 (joint filers) in 2026. Only cash gifts qualify for this above the line deduction.
  • 2
    Strategic timing strategies, like bunching charitable donations in a donor advised fund (DAF), could have an even bigger impact now.
    Work with your tax and legal teams to develop an approach that takes these new timing considerations into account while aligning with your broader financial goals.
  • 3
    The SECURE 2.0 Act continues to influence US retirement and tax planning.
    From updates that could impact long-term care insurance to mandatory Roth catch-up contribution rules going into effect, there are a number of new considerations for taxpayers this year.

As the end of the year approaches, the window of opportunity for making tax-efficient adjustments to your wealth plan is closing. In our 2026 Year-End Tax Planning guide, we cover the key considerations and strategies that are top of mind for many at this time.

Year End Tax Planning guide cover
  • Year-End Tax Planning
    October 2026

Top Considerations


Here are some of the common topics advisors plan to discuss with their clients in upcoming year-end conversations given the current landscape:

  • Charitable giving changes began this year, including a lower cap on the benefits of itemized deductions and a new AGI floor (more on this below).
  • The state and local tax (SALT) deduction will be $40,000 through tax year 2029.
  • Timing strategies for deductions—including charitable contributions—and credits are more critical than ever.
  • Changes to the alternative minimum tax (AMT) could cause more taxpayers to be subject to AMT going forward.


The OBBBA’s Continued Impact on Charitable Giving

 

Our teams are receiving a high number of questions about charitable giving strategies, given the changes that went into effect this year.

  • Lower cap (35%) on the benefit of itemized deductions. For taxpayers in the highest tax bracket, this cap means only $0.35 per dollar of an itemized deduction can be realized.
  • New 0.5% adjusted gross income (AGI) floor on charitable donations for taxpayers who itemize. Only the portion of charitable contributions that exceed 0.5% of AGI will be deductible.

Timing Charitable Donations to Align with Lower-AGI Years


A taxpayer plans to donate $100,000 to their alma mater either this year or next. They have not yet made any donations in 2026.

They expect to have an AGI of $3 million in 2026 and $1 million in 2027.

Considerations:

  • Because the taxpayer would likely be in one of the top tax brackets both years, the 35% cap on itemized deductions would apply whether they take the deduction in 2026 or defer to 2027.
  • The 0.5% AGI floor would also be applied to this donation. In 2026, with an AGI of $3 million, the $100,000 donation would be reduced to an $85,000 deduction. In 2027, with an AGI of $1 million, the $100,000 donation would be reduced to a $95,000 deduction.

The 0.5% floor applied to the lower AGI allows the taxpayer to realize a greater deduction on the same donation.

Keep in mind: In lower-AGI years, a lower AGI ceiling would also apply. If the taxpayer was planning to make their gift via a donor advised fund:

  • Cash contributions would be capped at 60% of AGI ($1.8 million in 2026 or $600,000 in 2027).
  • Long-term appreciated stock contributions would be capped at 30% of AGI ($900,000 in 2026 or $300,000 in 2027).

For taxpayers who take the standard deduction, there is a new charitable deduction—$1,000 for single filers, $2,000 for joint filers—for cash contribution to public charities. This allows a taxpayer to take the standard deduction and still realize a tax benefit for charitable giving up to these limits.

 

Next Steps

For a comprehensive review of the topics you may want to discuss with your tax, estate, and wealth advisors heading into year end, review our guide  with insights into the 2026 tax landscape and key tax planning strategies.

To learn more about the steps you can take, join our webinar on November 4.

 



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Advisory services offered by Goldman Sachs Wealth Services, L.P. (the “Adviser”), a registered investment adviser, affiliate of Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC ("GS&Co."), and a subsidiary of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., a worldwide, full-service investment banking, broker-dealer, asset management, and financial services organization. Goldman Sachs Ayco is a brand of Goldman Sachs Wealth Services, L.P. Brokerage services are offered through GS&Co. and Mercer Allied Company, L.P. (a limited purpose broker-dealer), both affiliates of the Adviser and members FINRA/SIPC.