If you are 70½ or older and have an IRA, you are already qualified!
How a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) Works
You are at least 70½ years old with IRA funds you no longer need
Make a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) from your IRA
Your QCD goes directly to charity, supporting a cause you care about
* You generally must start taking withdrawals from your traditional IRA, SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA, and retirement plan accounts when you reach age 72 (73 if you reach age 72 after Dec. 31, 2022). If you are 73 years old or older, your QCD can count towards your required minimum distribution (RMD).
Did You Know?
You can also support our mission for years to come. When you complete your IRA beneficiary designation form with your IRA custodian or plan administrator, simply name the American Lung Association as a beneficiary of your IRA account, and the remaining assets (or a portion) of the account will be distributed to help us change lives.
Sample Beneficiary Designation
Legal name: American Lung Association
Address: 55 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 1150
Chicago, IL 60601
Federal Tax ID number: 13-1632524
Discover the Benefits of a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)
Reduce Your Taxable Income
When you take funds from your IRA, they count as taxable income. But if you give them directly to charity, you transfer them tax free – reducing your taxable income while satisfying your RMD.
Fulfill Your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)
After you turn 73, you must withdraw funds from your IRA. Because you did not pay income tax when you created the IRA, you will pay income tax on the withdrawals. If you do not withdraw the required minimum (RMD), you may be penalized. Giving some or all of your annual withdrawal directly to a charity through a QCD, allows you to transfer annually up to $108,000 per individual or $216,000 per couple to satisfy your RMD.
Transform the World
When you make a qualified charitable distribution from your IRA to the American Lung Association, you will help us save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease.
“If one can afford to do it, making a gift from your IRA is a reasonable and practical way of supporting a charity. We wanted to increase the size of our gift and looked for the best ways to do this. Not only were we able to make a larger gift, but we also saved on our taxes. And because we weren’t using our regular income, we’ve been able to continue to build our ‘nest egg.’”
—Marvin and Cheryl Spychaj, QCD Donors
Find Out if a Qualified Charitable Distribution is Right For You
| I was born before . | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|
| I have a qualified IRA. | Yes | No |
| I want to help people to breathe easier. | Yes | No |
You’re qualified to make this type of gift!
It looks like there are still some requirements that need to be met!
Take Your Next Steps
Step 1
Get started by selecting your IRA custodian and filling out your information below.
This information will be used to pre-fill your distribution form.
STEP 2
Once you have downloaded and completed the rest of your form, please mail the form with the letter below to your IRA custodian. We recommend mailing this by December 1 to ensure you receive your tax deduction for this year.
STEP 3
Please let us know about your generous gift!
We’d like to thank you and ensure your gift goes to the program or department you desire.