As the holidays approaches we are accustom to make charitable contributions and usually don’t even think twice about it. After back-to-back storms pummeled Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico, many people are giving even more in 2017 than before. It is time to reap the tax benefits of those charities. Tax rates being at the all time high, deductions become even more valuable than ever.

You may deduct charitable contributions of money or property made to qualified organizations if you itemize your deductions. Generally, you may deduct up to 50 percent of your adjusted gross income, but 20 percent and 30 percent limitations apply in some cases.

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Divorce is difficult enough. What could add to the anxiety that divorce brings? Taxes. From adjusting to different living arrangements and sharing child custody, to determining future income and just being single again, the transitions can be unsettling. Amid all this change, it’s easy to lose sight of some of the subtler aspects of your finances — namely, your taxes.

Because federal tax law reaches deep into all aspects of our lives, it’s no surprise that the rules that affect us change as our lives change. This can present opportunities to save or create costly pitfalls to avoid. Being alert to the rolling changes that come at various life stages is the key to holding down your tax bill to the legal minimum. If you are one of the many people who recently divorced or are currently in the process you may be coping with new tax issues, and may even be filing your own tax return for the first time.

Here are a few examples of life changes that may trigger tax changes after a divorce is final.

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