Charitable Donation Deduction In New York
The charitable donation deduction lets taxpayers who itemize on their federal return deduct contributions to qualifying nonprofit organizations, lowering their federal taxable income. For 2025, cash contributions to public charities are deductible up to 60 percent of adjusted gross income, and non-cash donations such as appreciated securities or property are subject to separate percentage limits.
New York State generally conforms to the federal treatment of charitable deductions, allowing residents who itemize on their New York return to deduct qualifying charitable contributions. New York City residents may also benefit on their city return. Because New York has some of the highest combined state and city income tax rates in the country, the combined federal and state tax savings from charitable deductions can be substantial for higher-income residents.
New York taxpayers who donate appreciated stock or other long-term capital gain property to charity can avoid both federal and New York capital gains taxes on the appreciation while deducting the full fair market value. New York also has a notable Charitable Tax Credit program for certain donations to specific funds, which is separate from the standard deduction and can provide a direct credit against state tax owed. Maintaining written acknowledgment from the receiving organization is required for any single donation of $250 or more.