Grindlay Tax and Accounting

10/26/2026

Charitable Donations

In the past have I told you that yes charitable donations can be tax deductible but since you take a standard deduction your donations have no tax benefit to you? Well, starting with 2026 that is no longer the case. As part on the One Big Beautiful Bill, charitable donations can now be used even if you take a standard deduction. The limit is up to $1,000 for single filers and $2,000 for joint filers. In addition, if you are a MA taxpayer, MA is also now allowing a deduction for cash donations to charitable organizations. Unlike the Federal government there is no limit as to how much you can deduct on your MA return.

A few criteria to be aware of:

• Only cash donations qualify. Goodwill donations of clothing, household items, etc. can still only be taken if you itemize your deductions.
• Donations must be made to a qualified 501(c) 3 organization. Examples would be charities such as The Jimmy Fund, Red Cross, etc.
• Donations to Go Fund Me and similar organizations are not tax deductible
• Donations to political campaigns are not charitable donations.
• Attending an event and pay for items such as raffle tickets, auctions, golf tournaments? Even if run by a qualifying organization, those are not considered cash donations as something was received in return.

So, keep track of your cash charitable donations and receive a tax benefit for your donations.

10/21/2026

Social Security Updates for 2027

• The 2027 COLA adjustment for social security benefits will be 3.6%. On average those collecting social security will see a $75 per month increase in their benefit.

• The annual limit on wages subject to social security tax will increase to $192,300. The social security tax rate remains at 6.2%. (12.4% for self-employed individuals)

• For those collecting social security benefits prior to reaching full retirement age while still working, the amount you can earn annually before seeing a reduction in your benefits has risen to $25,560. If you are in year are reaching full retirement age the limit is $67,920.

• The amount of earnings needed to receive one social security work credit in 2027 will be $1,970.

10/20/2026

Do you live in Quincy, Weymouth, Braintree, Milton? With the expected jump in heating costs this winter, QCAP does have an assistance program if you are having difficulty keeping up with the rising costs.

10/08/2026

Proud to be a sponsor of the QPD Charitable Foundation.

Michael Grindlay

10/06/2026

Are you in need of a financial advisor? Look no further than Peacefield Financial located right here in Quincy.

Michael Grindlay

For more than 30 years, we’ve helped individuals and families build wealth, prepare for retirement, and navigate life’s biggest financial decisions.

09/15/2026

Today is National Voter Registration Day. In today’s day and age it is more important that ever to take part in elections regardless of where you fall on the political spectrum. There are important choices to be made on the local, state, and federal levels. Registering to vote and voting are easy to do. There really is no excuse not to.

https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ovr/

Michael Grindlay

09/09/2026

Happy First Day of School to all Quincy students. I'm sure your parents are very excited for today.

Michael Grindlay

04/16/2026

These are my only clients today.

04/15/2026

That’s a wrap, lights out.

1,580 returns filed
170 extension requests submitted.

Thanks to all our clients. A special shout out to Catherine Quinn and Kellie Fuller Grindlay for helping me survive another tax season.

04/15/2026

Let's give our favorite accountant a proper take off into the final day of tax season!!!

His personal Keluber driver threatened to sing "The Final Countdown" on the ride to the office, but instead went with an ultimate (wordless!) anthem song.

To Michael Grindlay, our favorite tax Maverick.... today is the last day the pattern is full.