26 Aug How to Make Tax-Free Donations to Charities From Your IRA
August 26, 2025 ~ If you're approaching age 70½ and have a traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA), the IRS requires you to begin taking Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). These withdrawals count as income—and are typically taxable. But there’s a way to give to causes you care about and reduce your tax burden: by making a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD).
This blog explains how QCDs work, who’s eligible, and how to get started—so you can make a meaningful impact while supporting your own financial well-being.
What Is a Qualified Charitable Distribution?
A Qualified Charitable Distribution is a way for individuals age 70½ or older to donate directly from their IRA to a qualified nonprofit organization. The funds go straight from the IRA to the charity. Therefore, the amount does not count as income and may satisfy part or all of your Required Minimum Distribution.
Why Consider a QCD?
Qualified Charitable Distributions are especially helpful if you:
- Want to lower your taxable income
- Want to stay in a lower income bracket, which decides how much you have to pay each month for Medicare (also called Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount, or IRMAA)
- Prefer to support nonprofits like Triage Cancer in a tax-efficient way
Be sure to talk to your financial advisor or tax professional about whether a QCD makes sense for your personal situation.
2025 Contribution Limits for Qualified Charitable Distributions
In 2025, eligible individuals can contribute up to $105,000 per calendar year through Qualified Charitable Distributions.
- This amount applies per person.
- If you are married and your spouse is also eligible, they may also contribute up to $105,000 from their own IRA, for a combined total of up to $210,000 in one year.
These donations must be made to qualified charitable organizations, like Triage Cancer, which is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Important: To qualify, the donation must go directly from your IRA to the charity. You cannot withdraw the funds and then donate them to the organization yourself.
How to Make a Qualified Charitable Distribution
Making a QCD is simpler than many people realize. To get started,
- Talk to Your Financial Advisor or IRA Provider
They can confirm your eligibility and help you request the direct transfer to the charity of your choice.
- Choose a Qualified Nonprofit Organization
Be sure the nonprofit is eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions. Triage Cancer qualifies to receive QCD gifts and uses donations to provide free legal and practical resources for people diagnosed with cancer, caregivers, and professionals.
- Request a Direct Transfer
Ask your IRA provider to send the funds directly to the charity. Many providers offer a simple form for this process. Notify the nonprofit so they can properly acknowledge your gift and provide any documentation you may need.
✅ Tip: Keep records of your QCD for tax filing purposes. If you report the QCD properly, it's excluded from your taxable income. It will not show up as a standard deduction.
If you're considering a Qualified Charitable Distribution to support Triage Cancer’s mission, we are happy to assist you.
Contact us at: info@TriageCancer.org
About Triage Cancer
Triage Cancer is a national, nonprofit providing free education to people diagnosed with cancer, caregivers, and health care professionals on cancer-related legal and practical issues. Through events, materials, and resources, Triage Cancer is dedicated to helping people move beyond diagnosis.
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