GIVING

Modern Giving at BA: What You Need to Know

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law on July 4, 2025, will significantly reshape charitable giving incentives beginning in 2026. As we celebrate 60 years of excellence at Beaufort Academy, we want to ensure our families, alumni, and friends have the latest information to maximize the impact of their "Blue & White" pride.

If You Take the Standard Deduction

Starting in 2026, your generosity to BA may go even further. The OBBBA introduces a new “above-the-line” charitable deduction, allowing you to deduct:
  • Up to $1,000 for single filers
  • Up to $2,000 for married couples filing jointly
This deduction is available even if you do not itemize, making it easier for every member of the BA family to support our students.
 

Pro-Tip for Eagle Supporters: 

  • Pledge Now: Make a commitment to the BA Annual Fund now to be paid in 2026.
  • Recurring Impact: Set up a monthly gift through our giving portal. A gift of $84/month reaches the full $1,000 deductible amount by year-end.

If You Itemize Your Deductions

Beginning in 2026, two major changes will affect the tax benefits of itemized giving:
  1. A 35% cap on the total value of all itemized deductions (including charitable gifts).
  2. A new 0.5% Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) floor, meaning only the portion of your giving above this threshold is deductible.
How to Maximize Your Support for BA:
  • Give Early: Finalize your 2025–26 Annual Fund gift before December 31st to lock in current tax rules.
  • Accelerate Pledges: If you have an outstanding commitment to a capital campaign or scholarship fund, consider paying it off before the new year.
  • Leverage your DAF: Contribute to your Donor Advised Fund (DAF) before year-end to secure the 2025 deduction while maintaining flexibility to support BA programs in the future.

Strategic Ways to Soar

Regardless of how you file, these methods offer powerful ways to reduce tax exposure while supporting the "Leaders of Tomorrow":
  • Gifts of Appreciated Stock: Donating stock directly to Beaufort Academy allows you to avoid capital gains taxes and deduct the full fair market value. It’s a win-win for you and our students.
  • IRA Charitable Distributions (QCD): If you are age 73 or older, you can make a Qualified Charitable Distribution directly from your IRA. This excludes the amount from your taxable income and counts toward your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)—effectively bypassing the new AGI floor.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Every gift, big or small, ensures that Beaufort Academy remains a vibrant environment for our students while they explore, grow, and thrive.

School EIN: 57-0474292

Contact Us: For questions regarding stock transfers or specific giving opportunities, please contact Sarah Cox, our Director of Development, at (843) 524-3393 ext:258 or scox@beaufortacademy.org