The IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) allows individuals age 70½ or older to make an outright gift of as much as $100,000 annually to Harvard from a traditional IRA. The withdrawal amount may count toward your annual required minimum distribution (RMD). Although the RMD is not required until age 73, the QCD can be particularly beneficial for donors who do not itemize and instead file the standard deduction.
The QCD must be paid directly from your IRA to Harvard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)?
A QCD is an otherwise taxable distribution from an IRA owned by an individual who is 70½ or older that is paid directly from the IRA to a qualified charity.
When can I make a Qualified Charitable Deduction from my IRA?
You may make a QCD beginning at age 70½ years old. A QCD can be particularly beneficial for donors who do not itemize and instead file the standard deduction.
Can the Qualified Charitable Deduction offset a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)?
Under current law, every IRA account holder must withdraw a required minimum distribution (RMD) annually beginning at age 73. The RMD is treated as ordinary income for tax purposes. A qualified charitable distribution counts toward your required minimum distribution.
Do I receive an income tax deduction with a Qualified Charitable Distribution?
You do not receive a tax deduction for a QCD from a regular IRA; the transfer is not, however, recognized as taxable income. Because a QCD reduces income and is not an itemized deduction, the gift benefits even those donors who do not itemize.
Is my 401(k) eligible for making a Qualified Charitable Distribution?
No. However, it may be possible to transfer or rollover funds from a non-IRA qualified retirement plan (401(k), 403(b), etc.) to an IRA. Check with your retirement plan administrator for eligibility and guidelines. Once the new IRA is established, you may then initiate an IRA QCD.
Are there limits on the gift amount?
While your IRA administrator may have a minimum for each distribution, Harvard has no minimums in accepting these gifts. The withdrawal may not exceed $100,000 annually per individual for all such gifts. A married couple with separate IRAs may each transfer as much as $100,000 annually.
How do I initiate an IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)?
Contact your IRA administrator to request a Qualified Charitable Distribution. If you are able to write checks directly from your IRA account, please follow these instructions.
Are there any restrictions on a Qualified Charitable Distribution?
A QCD is cannot be given:
- to a Donor Advised Fund, supporting organization, or private foundation;
- in exchange for benefits such as tickets to an event, membership, etc.
Can a Qualified Charitable Distribution be used to establish a Charitable Gift Annuity or Charitable Remainder Trust?
Beginning in 2023, the SECURE Act 2.0 allows individuals to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution up to $50,000 to establish a life income gift such as an annuity or remainder trust. Limitations and restrictions apply; please contact the Office of Gift Planning to learn more.
- In addition, you may withdraw funds from your IRA to establish a life income gift; however, in that case, the full amount of your withdrawal is treated as ordinary income for tax purposes. The charitable tax deduction from the life income gift may partially offset the withdrawal.
How do I use my check-writing facility to transfer funds from my IRA to Harvard?
Some IRA custodians offer check-writing privileges to allow you to make your gift to Harvard directly. If you wish to make a gift with a check from your IRA account, please make it out to “The President and Fellows of Harvard College” and mail it to:
The President and Fellows of Harvard College
PO Box 419209
Boston, MA 02241-9209
Note: For tax purposes, the date of the gift is the date the funds leave your IRA account (not the postmark on the envelope). It is important to allow sufficient time for the rollover check to clear to ensure that the funds are withdrawn during your preferred tax year.
What type of acknowledgment should I expect to receive from my IRA gift to Harvard?
Harvard sends an acknowledgment and statement that no goods or services were received in exchange for the gift to your IRA administrator. Separately, you will receive a letter of thanks that states the gift is an IRA QCD and confirms the designation. You will receive recognition gift credit for the full amount of your gift.
How do I report my Qualified Charitable Distribution?
A QCD is reported by your IRA custodian as a normal distribution on IRS Form 1099-R for any non-inherited IRAs. To report a QCD on your Form 1040 tax return, you generally report the full amount of the charitable distribution on the line for IRA distributions. On the line for the taxable amount, enter zero if the full amount was a qualified charitable distribution. Enter "QCD" next to this line. You should keep the acknowledgment of the donation from Harvard for your tax records. Check with your tax advisor to confirm your personal tax reporting requirements.
If I have more questions, whom should I contact?
Contact the Office of Gift Planning at 617-496-3205 or ogp@harvard.edu. Additional information may be found on the Office of Gift Planning website.
The information provided here is not offered as tax or legal advice. Donors and potential donors should consult with a qualified tax advisor regarding their own specific circumstances, the tax and nontax considerations, and consequences associated with the gift described in this document.
Contact Us
Email: ogp@harvard.edu
Phone: 617-496-3205 or
1-800-VERITAS (ask for the Office of Gift Planning)