Lessons Learned: Individual Charitable Giving and the <i>Tax Cuts and Jobs Act</i> of 2017

ABSTRACT The general sentiment of the charitable community toward the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 at the time of its passing seemed despondent. Due to individual income tax changes, the TCJA was set to produce tens of billions of projected charitable donation losses. Interestingly, current data show that total individual giving is on track with amounts before the TCJA's implementation, and overall giving has exceeded pre‐TCJA levels, setting records along the way. This study attempts to explore this phenomenon and more by broadly analyzing how individual income taxation, itemization, donors, and donations changed during the TCJA's tenure. Researchers, lawmakers, and charitable leaders may use this study to be better prepared in their decision making when new tax legislation is enacted.