What is a Qualified Charitable Distribution?
A QCD (also called an IRA charitable rollover) allows individuals age 70½ or older to transfer up to $105,000 per year directly from their IRA to a qualified charity like the NSA—tax-free.
The Tax Advantage
Unlike regular IRA withdrawals that increase your taxable income, QCDs are excluded from your taxable income entirely. This can help you stay in a lower tax bracket, reduce Medicare premiums, and decrease taxes on Social Security benefits.
Satisfies Your RMD
If you're required to take a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from your IRA, a QCD counts toward that requirement—allowing you to fulfill your RMD obligation while supporting a cause you care about, without increasing your taxable income.
Important: The Transfer Must Be Direct
For a gift to qualify as a QCD, the funds must go directly from your IRA custodian to the NSA. If you receive the distribution first and then donate it, it will not qualify as a QCD and will be treated as taxable income.
Who Is Eligible?
To make a Qualified Charitable Distribution to the NSA, you must meet these requirements:
You must be 70½ years old or older at the time of the gift
The gift must come directly from a traditional IRA (not SEP or SIMPLE IRAs while still contributing)
The maximum QCD amount is $105,000 per person, per year (2024 limit, indexed for inflation)
The distribution must go directly from your IRA to the NSA (cannot go to you first)
The NSA must be a qualified 501(c)(3) public charity (we are!)
Note: The age is calculated as of the date of the distribution, not December 31st. Consult your tax advisor for personalized guidance.
How to Make a QCD to the NSA
Follow these steps to complete your Qualified Charitable Distribution.
1
Contact your IRA custodian
Reach out to the financial institution that holds your IRA (e.g., Fidelity, Vanguard, Schwab, etc.). Tell them you'd like to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution.
2
Request a QCD form or process
Most custodians have a specific form or online process for QCDs. Some may call it a 'charitable IRA distribution' or 'direct charitable transfer.'
3
Provide NSA's information
You'll need to provide our legal name (National Stuttering Association), Tax ID (94-2420533), and mailing address. See complete details below.
4
Specify the amount and designation
Indicate how much you'd like to transfer (up to $105,000 per year). You can also specify a fund designation if you wish (General Fund, Research, Scholarships, etc.).
5
Confirm direct transfer
Ensure the check will be made payable to the NSA and mailed directly to us—not to you. This is critical for it to qualify as a QCD.
6
Notify us (optional but helpful)
Let us know to expect your gift so we can promptly send your acknowledgement letter. Contact us at (800) 937-8888 or info@westutter.org.
NSA Information for Your IRA Custodian
Provide this information to your IRA administrator when setting up your QCD.
Legal Name
National Stuttering Association
Tax ID (EIN)
94-2420533
Mailing Address
National Stuttering Association
3261 Richmond Ave, #119
Staten Island, NY 10312
Phone
(800) 937-8888
Classification
501(c)(3) Public Charity
Check Payable To:
National Stuttering Association
Optional: Fund Designation
You can include a memo or note with your QCD to designate your gift:
-
General Fund (unrestricted support for all programs)
-
Research Fund
-
Scholarship Fund
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Youth Programs
-
Chapter Support
Benefits of Making a QCD
Qualified Charitable Distributions offer significant tax advantages for eligible donors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a QCD and a regular IRA withdrawal?
A regular IRA withdrawal is added to your taxable income and then you can potentially claim a charitable deduction if you itemize. A QCD is never included in your taxable income at all—making it more tax-efficient for most donors, especially those taking the standard deduction.
Can I make a QCD before age 72 when RMDs begin?
Yes! You can start making QCDs as soon as you turn 70½, even if you're not yet required to take RMDs. This can be a smart tax strategy.
Can I use a QCD for a donor-advised fund or private foundation?
No. QCDs must go directly to a qualifying public charity like the NSA. Donor-advised funds, private foundations, and supporting organizations don't qualify.
What if the check from my IRA is made out to me?
Unfortunately, if the check is made payable to you, it doesn't qualify as a QCD—even if you then donate it to the NSA. The check must be made payable directly to the National Stuttering Association.
Will I receive a tax receipt for my QCD?
Yes! We'll send you an acknowledgment letter for your records. However, because QCDs aren't deductible charitable contributions (they're excluded from income instead), you won't use this letter to claim a deduction. Your IRA custodian will report the distribution on Form 1099-R, and you'll report it as a QCD on your tax return.
Can my spouse and I each make a QCD?
Yes! If you both have IRAs and are both 70½ or older, you can each make a QCD of up to $105,000 per year (total: $210,000 per year from a couple).
What types of IRAs qualify?
Traditional IRAs and inherited IRAs qualify. Roth IRAs, SEP IRAs (while still contributing), and SIMPLE IRAs (within the first two years) do not qualify.
When is the deadline to make a QCD?
QCDs must be completed by December 31st to count for that tax year. However, the NSA must receive the funds by year-end—not just the date the check is issued. We recommend initiating QCDs in November or early December to ensure timely delivery.
Questions About QCDs?
Our team is here to help you understand how a Qualified Charitable Distribution can benefit both you and the NSA. We're happy to work with you and your financial advisor.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, or financial advice. Please consult with your tax advisor or financial planner to determine if a QCD is right for your situation.