Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) take effect the year an IRA owner turns 73, so the government can start collecting taxes. This is payback for making tax-deductible retirement contributions while working. A few years ago, Congress enabled retirees to give any portion of RMDs tax-free charitably!
The Qualified Charitable Distribution option allows for gifting to recognized charities, which counts towards satisfying the RMD. This avoids income tax regardless of whether you are eligible to itemize.
For example, if you typically give $10,000 a year to your favorite charities, you’re probably paying taxes on this money first. So, it costs you $12,200 or more, including taxes. If you make gifts straight from your IRA, you keep more than $2,000 (plus any state tax) in your bank account!
The recipient must be a recognized 501(c)(3) charity (which is typical of religious, education, or community service organizations). Your IRA custodian may have a minimum amount per gift and will have their own paperwork to complete. You can gift as much or to as many charities as you wish, up to the total amount of your RMD.
This is just one of the tax management strategies we employ at Integras Partners. For ideas on how we might help you invest intelligently, nurture your communities, and enjoy financial peace, schedule a call with us!
So, enjoy today and tomorrow, and let us do the worrying!
Contact us to discuss your situation if you’re interested in our time-horizon strategies.
