What is a QCD?

Qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) let you give money directly from your IRA to charity, but there are rules about who can use them, which accounts qualify, and how they're reported.

On this week's Women & Wealth, Regina continues her 'Alphabet Soup' series by explaining how QCDs work and how they can help reduce your taxable income. She covers which IRAs and charities are eligible, the 2026 giving limit, the December 31 deadline, and why writing a QCD from IRA checks can cause reporting problems. She also explains the new Code Y on Form 1099-R and why it's important to keep your accountant informed so your gift is recorded correctly at tax time.