Navigating Qualified Charitable Distributions in 5 Easy Steps
Navigating Qualified Charitable Distributions in 5 Easy Steps
September 28, 2023
September 28, 2023

What is a qualified charitable distribution (QCD)? A QCD is a distribution from an IRA that goes directly to a qualifying charity and is not included in the taxable income of the IRA owner. A QCD cannot be made from an employer plan. A QCD can be up to $100,000 a year, per individual.


1) Either an IRA owner or a beneficiary can do a QCD. The individual must be at least age 70½ at the time of the transaction. Reaching age 70½ later in the year is not enough. Both spouses can do a QCD when each spouse does the QCD from their own IRA.


2) A QCD can be made from an IRA, an inactive SEP or SIMPLE IRA, or a Roth IRA. Only pre- tax amounts can be used for a QCD, which makes the use of Roth funds very unlikely. The QCD must be a direct transfer to a qualifying charity. A check payable to the charity but sent to the IRA owner will qualify as a QCD, as will a check written from a “checkbook IRA” to a qualifying charity. If an IRA owner receives a check payable to him from his IRA and then later gives those funds to charity, that is not considered a QCD.


3) A charity must be a qualifying charity. It cannot be a donor-advised fund or a private foundation. A one-time only, $50,000 QCD to a charitable gift annuity, charitable remainder unitrust, or a charitable remainder annuity trust is allowed. A QCD to a charity where the IRA owner has an outstanding pledge will qualify and will not create a prohibited transaction. The QCD must satisfy all charitable deduction rules. If a distribution to a charity is more than $100,000, the amount over $100,000 is taxable to the IRA owner and is deductible on the owner’s income tax return. The excess amount cannot be carried over to a future tax year.


4) A QCD can satisfy a required minimum distribution (RMD) but can be made before age 73. It is not limited to the amount of the RMD, but is capped at $100,000 a year. If an RMD is more than $100,000, any amounts in excess of the QCD are taxable to the IRA owner. QCDs can now be made before the first RMD year (age 73).


5) The IRA custodian has no special tax reporting for a QCD. The QCD will be reported on Form 1099-R as a regular distribution. The IRA owner will need to report the QCD on his tax return. The amount of the QCD is excluded from the owner’s taxable income. The IRA owner also cannot take a charitable deduction for the QCD amount.

By Walter Storholt February 20, 2025
In today’s video, Rebecca asks an important question about retirement planning: With four different investment accounts- her 401(k), IRA, Roth IRA, and individual account- she’s wondering which one she should withdraw from first when she retires next year and needs income.
By Walter Storholt February 13, 2025
Financial mistakes can happen at any age, but they can have a particularly significant impact in your 60s. In today’s episode, Frank discusses 5 common financial blunders to avoid during this pivotal decade.
February 6, 2025
In today’s mailbag episode, we’re answering a question from Bobby about Social Security. He plans to keep working for another two years but wonders if he should start taking his benefits now since he’s reached full retirement age. Is it a smart move, or could waiting be a better strategy?
financial resolutions
By Walter Storholt January 30, 2025
We've got some financial changes that'll help you out and some new mindsets and mentalities that'll put you in the right direction as you go through the new year.
By Walter Storholt January 23, 2025
A listener recently reached out, sharing that their house feels like a constant money pit. They're dealing with one repair after another, and the cost and effort are leaving them frustrated. They’ve asked Frank if he thinks it would be a bad idea to sell the house and rent while they figure out their next move.
January 22, 2025
Why do you need a tax professional?
January 22, 2025
3 Differences Between Life Insurance and Roth IRAs
By Walter Storholt January 16, 2025
Are you saving for something big in the next few years, like a wedding or a down payment on a house? You might be wondering how to make your money work harder in the short term without taking on too much risk. In this video, Frank talks about products he calls “defined outcome investments,” which may offer higher yields than traditional CDs and bonds while providing downside protection. Whether you’re planning for something in the next 1 to 3 years, Frank explains how these products might help you balance risk and reward.
By Walter Storholt January 9, 2025
As you approach retirement, have you thought about how you’d like to spend your newfound free time? Maybe a part-time job or a side hustle is something that could appeal to you! Frank has been in this industry for a long time, so today he's going to share some of the most interesting side hustles he's seen some of his clients take on during retirement.
By Walter Storholt January 2, 2025
It’s the beginning of a new year – a time when many of us make resolutions to improve our lives. But how often do we resolve to improve the way we feel about our finances? Today, we’re talking about spending with confidence, a surprising challenge for many retirees.
Show More
Share by: