A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) is a provision in the U.S. tax code that allows individuals who are 70½ years old or older to directly transfer up to $100,000 per year from their Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) to qualified charities without having to count the distributions as taxable income. This can provide tax advantages for IRA owners, especially those who are subject to Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs).

Here are some key points about QCDs:

Age Requirement: Only IRA owners and beneficiaries who are 70½ years old or older are eligible to make a QCD.
Tax Benefits: The QCD is excluded from the individual’s taxable income. This is beneficial for those who do not itemize their deductions and would otherwise not receive a tax benefit from charitable contributions.
RMD Offset: If an IRA owner is required to take an RMD, a QCD can be used to satisfy this requirement. The amount donated to the charity offsets the amount of the RMD, up to the $100,000 limit.
Qualified Charities: For the distribution to be qualified, it must be made directly to a qualifying charity. This generally means most 501(c)(3) organizations, but there are exceptions, so it’s essential to ensure the chosen charity is eligible.
Distribution Limits: An individual can make QCDs up to $100,000 annually. If married and filing jointly, each spouse can make a QCD up to the limit, potentially allowing for $200,000 in combined QCDs if both are eligible.
No Double-Dipping: Since the QCD is excluded from taxable income, taxpayers cannot also claim the charitable distribution as an itemized deduction.
Direct Transfer: For the distribution to qualify as a QCD, funds must be transferred directly from the IRA to the eligible charity. If the owner first receives the distribution and then donates to the charity, it doesn’t qualify as a QCD.

Individuals considering a QCD should consult with a tax professional or financial advisor to ensure that they are following the proper procedures and optimizing their tax situation.