Financial Education | Charitable Giving
Year-End Charitable Giving: What to Know Before December 31
Plan ahead, keep good records, and make your generosity count.
For many families and churches, December is the most generous month of the year. Year-end gifts support ministries, missionaries, and community organizations heading into a new year. If you plan to give before the year ends, a little preparation helps make sure your gifts are timely, well documented, and aligned with your financial plans.
This guide covers the basics of year-end giving. Tax rules are specific to each person’s situation, so talk with a qualified tax professional about how giving affects your taxes.
Why the December 31 Deadline Matters
Charitable gifts generally count for the tax year in which they are made. If you want a gift to count for this year, it typically needs to be completed by December 31. A few general guidelines:
- Checks: A check mailed by December 31 is generally treated as given that year, even if it’s cashed later.
- Credit cards: A gift charged to a credit card by December 31 generally counts for that year, even if you pay the bill in January.
- Online and digital gifts: Give a few days early. Processing times vary, and holiday traffic can cause delays.
Plan Ahead: Because the last week of December is busy for churches and ministries, giving early in the month helps avoid last-minute problems.
Keep Good Records
Documentation matters for any charitable gift you plan to report on your taxes. Keep:
- Bank records, such as canceled checks or account statements, for cash gifts
- Written receipts or acknowledgments from the organization
- Records of the date, amount, and organization for every gift
Remember the $250 acknowledgment rule.
For larger gifts, the IRS generally requires a written acknowledgment from the organization. For example, a single gift of $250 or more typically needs one. Most churches send annual giving statements in January that serve this purpose. Keep them with your tax records.
AGCU online banking makes it easy to review past transactions and download statements when it’s time to gather records.
Give to Qualified Organizations
To be deductible, gifts generally must go to qualified tax-exempt organizations. Churches typically qualify. For other organizations, you can confirm their status with the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search tool.
Gifts to individuals, even people in real need, generally aren’t tax deductible, though they may still be a meaningful part of your giving.
Give Wisely: Be cautious with unfamiliar charities that pressure you to give quickly. For more on staying safe, read our guide to avoiding holiday scams.
Know That the Rules Can Change
Tax rules for charitable giving change from time to time, and recent changes that took effect in 2026 may affect how some gifts are treated, including for people who don’t itemize their deductions. That’s one more reason to check with a tax professional before year end rather than after.
Consider Other Ways to Give
Cash and checks are the most common gifts, but they aren’t the only option. Depending on your situation, you might ask a tax professional about:
- Qualified charitable distributions. If you’re 70½ or older, you may be able to give directly from an IRA to a qualified charity.
- Gifts of appreciated assets. Some donors give stock or other assets instead of cash.
- Planned giving. Naming a church or ministry in your will or as a beneficiary.
Learn more about AGCU IRAs.
For Churches: Preparing for Year-End Gifts
Churches often receive a large share of annual giving in December. A few steps help things run smoothly:
- Communicate your year-end giving deadline and options to your congregation early
- Make sure online giving is set up and tested before the rush
- Record gifts promptly and accurately so giving statements are correct
- Plan to send annual contribution statements to donors in January
AGCU serves churches with ministry checking, remote deposit capture, and digital giving through a partnership with Tithe.ly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline for charitable donations this year?
Gifts generally need to be completed by December 31 to count for this tax year. Checks mailed and credit card gifts charged by December 31 generally count for the year they’re made.
Do I need a receipt for my church donations?
Keep bank records or receipts for all gifts. A single gift of $250 or more generally requires a written acknowledgment from the church, which is often provided in an annual giving statement.
Are tithes tax deductible?
Tithes and offerings to a qualified church may be deductible, depending on your tax situation. A tax professional can help you understand how the rules apply to you.
Can I donate from my IRA?
If you’re 70½ or older, you may be able to make a qualified charitable distribution directly from an IRA to a qualified charity. Talk with a tax professional about whether it makes sense for you.
Banking with a Purpose
Give With Purpose
Year-end giving is an opportunity to reflect on the year and invest in the work that matters most to you. Plan ahead, keep good records, and talk with a tax professional so your generosity is as effective as possible.
Have questions about your accounts? Contact AGCU.
Contact AGCUThis article is for general educational purposes and is not tax or legal advice. Consult a qualified tax professional about your specific situation.