Qualified Charitable Distributions
News

Qualified Charitable Distributions

 

A choice for IRA owners who want to reduce taxes linked to IRA distributions.

Do you have an IRA? As you enter your 70s, you may start to look at that IRA not only as an asset, but also as a problem. By law, you must take required minimum distributions (RMDs) from a Traditional IRA once you reach age 72; there are very few exceptions to this. The downside of these RMDs? The entire distribution is taxable. (You never have to take RMDs from a Roth IRA, provided you are its original owner.)1

While the income from the RMD is nice, the linked taxes can be a headache. Relief for that headache might be available to you, though. Did you know that you can potentially satisfy some or all of your annual RMD requirement in a way that can help you manage taxes and make a charitable impact?

Consider the Qualified Charitable Distribution, QCD. This is a direct asset transfer from an IRA to a charity or non-profit organization of your choice. The organization must be tax-exempt under Internal Revenue Section 501(c)(3).2

A QCD, sometimes called a charitable IRA gift, is intended to accomplish two things. One, it gives you a chance to contribute up to $100,000 in a single year to a cause or charity. Two, you can count the entire amount of the QCD. toward your RMD for the year, and the QCD. amount may not be included in your gross income.2   

You must be at least 70½ years old to make a QCD.  You may want to coordinate a QCD with the help and guidance of a financial professional, because if you improperly manage the transfer of assets between your IRA and the charity, the tax break you hope for could be lost. You also need to allow enough time for the asset transfer to occur, meaning QCDs are best arranged before the very end of a calendar year.2,3

In 2020, the age limit for putting money into a Traditional IRA was lifted, and some older IRA owners wondered if they could make a QCD to a charity and simultaneously characterize it as an IRA contribution. The Internal Revenue Service said no to that.2

That said, a QCD is a choice that you may want to look at, especially if you think of taxes when you think of your mandatory annual IRA distributions. It should be noted that the tax treatment of IRAs can change from year to year, and remember, this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute real-life advice. If a QCD interests you, consider talking with a financial professional before making any move.

 

 

Citations
1. Forbes, February 23, 2021
2. TheStreet, August 31, 2020
3. Investopedia, October 29, 2020
 

 

This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note - investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment.

RMD Required Minimum Distribution #IRA IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions QCD #RMD Philanthropy