If you have a big IRA and you are a CHARITABLE person, then
consider setting up a QCD to possibly have a tax advantage. Most brokerage houses make this very easy.
Qualified Charitable Distribution
(QCD): How It Works
Support your favorite charitable organizations even in retirement.
What is a QCD?
A
qualified charitable distribution (QCD) is an individual retirement account
(IRA) withdrawal that goes directly to charity and is excluded from taxable
income. People 70½ and over can make qualified charitable distributions. QCDs
can help people 73 and over comply with required minimum distribution (RMD) rules.
·
QCDs happen directly between
the IRA administrator and the charitable organization. You cannot make the
withdrawal yourself and then donate the funds yourself if you want the
transaction to be recorded as a QCD.
·
You can donate up to $100,000
per year via QCDs.
·
Because the amount you donate
is excluded from your taxable income, qualified charitable distributions are a
way to lower your tax bill (they may also help avoid Medicare premium surcharges).
·
Unlike the process for
claiming other charitable donations, you do not have to itemize on your tax return to get
the tax benefits of a QCD.
·
After age 73, the IRS
typically requires people to take minimum distributions from certain retirement
accounts. QCDs can be a way for people to give to charity while complying with
the RMD rule and without raising their tax bill
[1]
.
What are the rules for qualified charitable distributions?
Qualified
charitable distributions are direct transfers from an IRA to qualified
charities. Instead of taking a regular IRA withdrawal, you tell your IRA
custodian to send the money directly to the charity for you.
There
are six key rules to remember:
1.
Meet the age
requirement. You must be 70 ½ years of age
or older to make a QCD.
2.
Donate to a qualified
charity. The IRS has a list of approved
501(c)3 organizations and charities.
3.
Make a direct transfer.
You cannot withdraw the money yourself and
then donate that money yourself. The money has to go directly from your IRA
administrator to the charity. Each financial institution has its own process
for doing so.
4.
Don’t exceed the annual
limit. The maximum annual qualified
charitable distribution limit is $100,000 per person. For married couples, that
means the maximum is $200,000.
5.
Report correctly. You must report the QCD on your federal income tax return. You’ll receive a Form 1099-R from your IRA
administrator
[2]
.
6.
Keep your receipts. Like with any deductible charitable contribution,
get a receipt from the charity for your donation so you can substantiate your
tax benefit if the IRS comes calling.
»
MORE: Why your estate plan may need asset appraisals
On the
flip side, here are the common mistakes to avoid:
1.
Donating to
nonqualified charities. The
IRS defines a qualified charity as a 501(c)3 organization working to
accomplish religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or other public
purposes
[3]
.
2.
Making an indirect
donation. Do not make a personal
donation and try to pass it off as a QCD. A QCD must come directly from your
IRA administrator. The money should not touch your hands or your personal
accounts.
3.
Missing deadlines. Make sure your QCD is processed before Dec. 31 to count toward
your required minimum distribution and for proper reporting on your income
taxes.
4.
Exceeding the annual
limit. The QCD limit is $100,000 per
person per year, or up to $200,000 for married couples from their individual
IRAs.
Learn
more: What is a donor-advised fund?
Is a QCD better than a charitable deduction?
QCDs
and charitable deductions both encourage charitable giving, offer tax benefits
and benefit qualified charities, but there are still a few key differences.
Details |
Qualified Charitable Distribution |
Charitable Deduction |
Age
requirement |
70 ½ or older. |
No age requirement. |
Source |
IRA account. |
Personal income. |
Tax
benefit |
Excluded from taxable income. |
Reduces taxable income. |
Itemization |
Automatic; no itemization required on your tax return (you can still take the standard deduction). |
Requires itemized deductions on your tax return (you cannot take the standard deduction). |
Contribution
limit |
$100,000 per person, per year. |
Up to 60% of your adjusted gross income. |
Required
Minimum Distribution |
Can count toward RMD. |
Does not affect RMD. |
With
anything in estate planning and charitable giving, the tools you use depend on
your personal and financial goals. Consult with your IRA administrator or a
qualified financial advisor to determine what is best for you.
(As with any of these informative articles,
anyone who needs someone to talk to about
this
very subject contact me and I can direct you to a knowledgeable advisor).
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