Qualified charitable distribution (QCD) Donate money from
your IRA to charity

Frequently asked questions  

• Do I qualify to make a QCD?

  To qualify for a QCD, you must be at least 70½ years old and have funds in an eligible IRA (Traditional, Rollover, or Inherited). The distribution must be made directly from your IRA to an eligible 501(c)(3) charitable organization, with a maximum annual limit of $105,000 per individual.

• What is the limit for QCDs?

  The annual limit for QCDs is $105,000 per individual, or $210,000 for married couples filing jointly. This limit is indexed for inflation starting in 2024, with no minimum amount required.

• When is the deadline to make a QCD?

  The deadline to make a QCD is December 31 of the tax year for which you want it to count. No extensions are allowed beyond this date, so ensure you allow enough time for your IRA custodian to process the transaction and for your charity to receive the check via mail before the end of the year.

• If I make a QCD larger than my RMD, does it count towards future RMDs?

  A QCD larger than your required minimum distribution (RMD) for the current year does not count towards future years' RMDs. Each year's RMD must be satisfied separately, either through standard distributions or QCDs made within that calendar year.

• Can I distribute the funds and then gift them to a charity?

  No, distributing the funds to yourself and then gifting to a charity does not qualify as a QCD. For a valid QCD, the funds must be paid directly from your IRA custodian to the qualified charitable organization.

• Can I make a QCD from my Roth IRA?

  A QCD may be made from a Roth IRA. Roth IRAs are not subject to RMDs during your lifetime, and distributions are generally tax-free. Consult a tax advisor to determine if making a QCD from a Roth is appropriate for your situation.

• What charities qualify for a QCD?

  QCDs can be made to a qualified 501(c)(3) organization, a charitable organization eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

  Some charities may not qualify for QCDs, including private foundations, donor-advised funds, and supporting organizations. Additionally, organizations that provide goods or services in exchange for donations are not eligible for QCDs. Consult your tax advisor, the charity, or the IRS Tax Exempt Organization search tool.

• What tax reporting does Fidelity provide for a QCD?

  A QCD is reported as a normal distribution on IRS Form 1099-R for any non-inherited IRAs. A QCD will be reported as a death distribution for an Inherited Roth IRA or Inherited traditional IRA. Itemization is not required to make a QCD. While the QCD amount is not taxed, you may not also claim the distribution as a charitable tax deduction. A QCD is not subject to federal withholding, however state tax rules may vary. For more information, see IRS publication 590-B or consult a tax advisor.

• What is a QCD one-time election?

  Starting in tax year 2023, the IRS allows for a one-time election of a QCD to a split-interest entity. This one-time lifetime maximum transaction allows a donor to make a QCD of up to $53,000 to fund one of either a Charitable Remainder Unitrust (CRUT), Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust (CRAT) or Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA). This amount is adjusted annually by the IRS.