Many individuals who are charitably inclined use qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) to meet their required minimum distributions (RMDs) while avoiding income tax. However, one simple mistake can turn an otherwise tax-free QCD into fully taxable income. After age 70 1/2, you may direct up to $111,000 in 2026 from your traditional IRA to a qualified charity.  For married couples, each spouse may give that amount from their own IRA. The QCD can count toward your RMD once

If you have one or more traditional IRAs and are age 73 or older, you’re probably familiar with RMD, short for required minimum...