Qualified charitable distributions

 (QCDs) allow individuals to donate to charity as a tax-free IRA distribution.

QCDs can be included as part of a Required Minimum Distribution.

There are several restrictions:


 * The maximum deductible contribution limit is $100,000
 * Distributions must be made directly to the charitable organization
 * The IRA owner must be 70 1/2 or over

QCDs must come from an individual IRA. An SEP or SIMPLE IRA does not qualify.

If you file a joint return, your spouse can also have a QCD and exclude up to $100,000. The amount of the QCD is limited to the amount of the distribution that would otherwise be included in income. If your IRA includes nondeductible contributions, the distribution is first considered to be paid out of otherwise taxable income.