IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions During Life

IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) allow donors, age 70½ or older, to make gifts of up to $100,000 from a traditional IRA to charity. QCDs are made directly from the donor’s IRA account and can be excluded from gross income even if the donor does not itemize each year. QCDs count toward a donor’s required minimum distribution (RMD), when required by the donor’s age. By reducing taxable income, QCDs can lower a donor’s tax bill and may help donors avoid Medicare surcharges. And, as IRA QCDs pass tax-free to charity, 100% of your gift can be used by Audubon Canyon Ranch to continue to protect nature for years to come.

A “Legacy IRA”

A “Legacy IRA” can boost retirement income and provide future support to sustain Audubon Canyon Ranch.  Under a new law effective 2023, many IRA owners, 70 ½ or older, can now make a one-time, lifetime Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) of up to $50,000 in exchange for a charitable gift annuity. By using your Required Minimum Distribution to fund a gift annuity, you will receive fixed payments at an attractive rate for your lifetime. Unlike typical IRA withdrawals, this distribution from your IRA to a gift annuity is tax-free and counts toward your RMD. 

IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions Through Your Estate

As traditional IRAs are taxed differently than other assets, they can become a tax liability when inherited. Designating Audubon Canyon Ranch as a full or partial beneficiary of your IRA—and leaving other, less tax-vulnerable assets to your heirs—can reduce or eliminate this liability. You can name Audubon Canyon Ranch on the beneficiary designation form for your IRA and designate the percentage of your IRA you wish to leave as a legacy gift.