Is Zakat Tax-Deductible in the US?
Zakat paid to a US 501(c)(3) charity can be tax-deductible. See the 2026 rules for itemizers and non-itemizers, receipts, and what does not qualify.
By Embrace Relief Team · Updated October 19, 2026
The useful part before the long read.
Zakat paid to a qualified 501(c)(3) charity can be deducted like any other charitable gift; zakat given directly to individuals cannot.
New for 2026: people who take the standard deduction can deduct up to $1,000 in cash gifts ($2,000 for married couples filing jointly).
Itemizers can generally deduct cash gifts up to 60% of adjusted gross income (AGI). From 2026, only giving above 0.5% of AGI counts.
Keep a written receipt for every gift. For a single gift of $250 or more, the IRS requires a written acknowledgment from the charity.
Yes, in most cases. Zakat you give to a US 501(c)(3) charity, such as Embrace Relief, counts as a charitable contribution for federal income tax purposes. That means it can be tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Zakat you hand directly to a person in need is a valid act of worship, but it is not tax-deductible. How much you can deduct depends on whether you itemize, and the rules changed for the 2026 tax year.
When is zakat tax-deductible?
The IRS does not treat zakat differently from other charitable giving. What matters is who receives it. A gift is generally deductible when it goes to a qualified organization, such as a 501(c)(3) public charity, and you receive nothing of value in return. Embrace Relief Foundation Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 26-2393075), so zakat donated through our Zakat page can be tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
| How you give zakat | Tax-deductible? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| To a US 501(c)(3) charity | Yes, within IRS limits | It is a contribution to a qualified organization. |
| Directly to a family member, neighbor, or other individual | No | Gifts to individuals are not charitable deductions. |
| To a foreign charity with no US 501(c)(3) status | Usually no | Most foreign organizations are not qualified for US deductions. |
| Through a donor-advised fund (DAF) | Deductible when you fund the DAF, if you itemize | DAF gifts do not count toward the new 2026 non-itemizer deduction. Many scholars also ask whether zakat is paid when the DAF is funded or when the charity receives it, so ask a scholar you trust. |
The 2026 rules: itemizers and non-itemizers
Starting with the 2026 tax year, there are two paths. Which one applies depends on how you file.
If you take the standard deduction
You can deduct up to $1,000 in cash gifts to qualified charities, or $2,000 if you are married and filing jointly. You do not need to itemize to claim this. It covers cash gifts, which includes card and online donations. Gifts to donor-advised funds do not qualify.
If you itemize
Cash gifts to public charities are generally deductible up to 60% of your AGI. If you give more than that, you can carry the excess forward for up to five years. From 2026, only the part of your total giving that exceeds 0.5% of your AGI is deductible. For example, if your AGI is $100,000, the first $500 of giving does not count. The tax benefit for taxpayers in the top 37% bracket is also capped at 35%.
| Example (2026) | Standard deduction filer | Itemizer, AGI $100,000 |
|---|---|---|
| Zakat given to a 501(c)(3) | $1,500 (single) | $1,500 |
| Amount that can count | Up to $1,000 | $1,000 ($1,500 minus the 0.5% floor of $500) |
This example is simplified. Your result depends on your full tax picture, so please confirm with a tax professional.
How to keep the right records
- Any amount: keep a bank record or a written receipt that shows the charity's name, the date, and the amount.
- $250 or more in a single gift: you need a written acknowledgment from the charity that states the amount and whether you received anything in return. Embrace Relief sends a receipt for online donations.
- Gifts of stock: the rules are different. See how to donate stock to charity.
The IRS explains these rules in Publication 526 (Charitable Contributions) and Publication 1771 (substantiation and disclosure requirements).
Does the tax deduction affect your zakat?
No. Zakat is calculated on your zakatable wealth, generally 2.5% of eligible assets held for a full lunar year above the nisab, and the amount is the same whether or not you claim a deduction. A tax saving is a benefit of giving through a registered charity, not a reduction of what you owe in zakat. If you are unsure how to calculate the amount, see how to calculate your zakat. For stocks and retirement accounts, read zakat on stocks, 401(k), and IRAs.
Timing: when should you give?
Zakat is due when your wealth completes its lunar year (hawl). Many Muslims give in Ramadan. For tax purposes, only gifts made by December 31 count toward that tax year. Online and card donations count on the date they are charged. If your zakat falls due late in the year, giving before December 31 lets it count for 2026. For more year-end tax planning, see our 2026 charitable tax deduction guide.
Related reading: zakat vs. sadaqah, who is eligible for zakat, and when to pay zakat.
This article is general information, not tax, legal, or religious advice. Please consult a tax professional about deductions and a qualified scholar about your zakat.
Frequently asked questions
Is zakat tax-deductible in the US?
Zakat given to a US 501(c)(3) charity is generally tax-deductible as a charitable contribution, within IRS limits. Zakat given directly to individuals is not deductible.
Can I deduct zakat if I don't itemize?
Yes, starting with the 2026 tax year. Taxpayers who take the standard deduction can deduct up to $1,000 in cash gifts to qualified charities, or $2,000 for married couples filing jointly. Gifts to donor-advised funds do not qualify.
What receipt do I need for a zakat donation?
Keep a bank record or written receipt for every gift. For a single gift of $250 or more, you need a written acknowledgment from the charity that states the amount and whether you received anything in return.
Does claiming a tax deduction reduce the zakat I owe?
No. Zakat is calculated on your zakatable wealth, and the amount is the same whether or not you claim a tax deduction.
Is Embrace Relief a 501(c)(3) organization?
Yes. Embrace Relief Foundation Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 26-2393075. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.