You may have a list of your personal New Year’s resolutions—eat better, exercise, find joy. We have some resolutions for your planned giving program.
1. More for you? Those of us who work in fundraising generally consider ourselves and our compensation middle class. The tax legislation passed last year not only avoided tax increases for most taxpayers, but included additional targeted relief for millions that could produce a larger than expected tax refund because you may well have over-withheld anticipated taxes. As a result, you may want to file your 2025 tax return early in 2026.
2. More for them? See resolution Number 1 and recognize that most of your planned giving donors are probably middle class as well. Depending on their annual income, seniors who are 65 and over are eligible to receive an extra bonus deduction of up to $6,000 per year between now and 2028. You may wish to share general information with donors about provisions of the new law that may increase their spendable income and reduce taxes too, providing them with more to give.
3. Learn more. Invest in yourself and “Sharpen” your planned and major gift skills by signing up for our blog, Insights newsletter, Sharpe Focus weekly newsletter and listen to our podcast, Sharpe Insights: Conversations With Your Planned Giving Experts. Click here to receive Sharpe Advice.
As Sharpe Group’s general counsel, Barlow Mann consults with some of the country’s most successful gift planning programs. He is recognized as an industry expert and is on the editorial board of Planned Giving Today.
