Tax Tuesday:
Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) allow individuals age 70½ or older to donate directly from their IRA to eligible charities while receiving significant tax benefits. Because the funds must move directly from the IRA to the charity, the distribution avoids taxation and does not increase your adjusted gross income - a key advantage for managing Medicare premiums, Social Security taxation, and other income-based thresholds.
QCDs can also satisfy part or all of your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) beginning at age 73, making them one of the most effective tools for retirees who wish to support charitable causes while reducing unwanted taxable income.
The IRS allows up to $111,000 in 2026 to be donated via QCDs, with an option to split the amount across multiple charities. While QCDs cannot be directed to donor-advised funds, private foundations, or charitable gift annuities, they remain one of the most powerful strategies for making a meaningful impact—and doing so tax-efficiently
QCDs let retirees donate directly from their IRA, satisfy RMDs, and reduce taxable income - all in one strategy