The Rules for Making a Tax-Free Donation from an IRA

[Question]I'd like to make a tax-free transfer of my required minimum distribution from my IRA to charity. Is the deadline for donating to a charity the same as the deadline for taking my RMD? And does my IRA administrator have to send the money directly to the charity, or can I withdraw the money and write a check myself?

[Answer]The deadline for making a tax-free transfer from an IRA to a charity--called a "qualified charitable distribution" or QCD--is the same as. That's generally December 31 unless this is your first RMD. First-timers have until April 1 of the year after turning 70½ to take an initial RMD--and they can't take a QCD before age 70½.