Mercer Advisors
Sharing Knowledge

Question

What happens to my charitable deduction in a year my income spikes?

Answer

The 0.5% floor is calculated on that year’s AGI, so a business sale or large Roth conversion raises it. At $2 million of AGI, the floor is $10,000. Amounts disallowed by the floor generally can’t be carried forward unless your giving also exceeded one of the AGI ceilings that year. In a high-income year, it often makes sense to give substantially more than usual or to wait.

Related FAQs

Can I use a QCD before required minimum distributions start?

What is the difference between giving cash and giving appreciated stock?

What is the new charitable giving tax deduction floor for 2026?
Tax Planning Financial Planning Charitable Giving Impact of New Laws Tax Basics Tax Tips & Tricks OBBBA Protecting Your Legacy Year-Round Tax Planning FAQs
Last Updated Sept. 8, 2026
Previous Next

Further Learning

Tax Planning Article

The New Math of Charitable Giving Tax Deductions

New 2026 charitable giving tax deduction rules changed the math. Learn how the AGI floor, the 35% cap, and DAFs reshape your year-end giving strategy.

Listen
Investment Management Podcast

Episode 40 – Diversify Broadly, Both Across and Within Global Asset Classes

Don Calcagni, Chief Investment Officer, explains why he pursues the broadest possible diversification in portfolios — and why it’s the second principle of the evidence-based investment philosophy at Mercer Advisors.

Estate Planning Article

How To Keep Your Family Vacation Home in the Family

Passing down a family vacation home takes more than a will. Learn how trusts, LLCs, and honest conversations can keep your legacy property in the family.

Retirement Article

Catch-Up Contributions 2026: What’s New for Savers

SECURE 2.0 catch-up rules are in effect for 2026. New limits, a higher Roth threshold, and final IRS guidance change how older savers should plan.

Back to Sharing Knowledge

About Mercer Advisors

We exist so you don’t have to worry about money. For more than 40 years, we’ve taken the sophisticated, time-tested approach that many ultra-high net worth individuals use to help manage their financial lives and made it accessible to more families.

Explore Our Solutions

Financial Planning
Estate Planning
Tax Planning & Preparation
Insurance Solutions
Investment Management
Trustee Services

Want to learn more about Mercer Advisors?

Let’s Talk