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QCD calculator: give from your IRA or give cash? (2026)

From age 70½ you can give directly from your IRA to charity, up to $111,000 in 2026, and it counts toward your required minimum distribution without being taxed. See how that compares with taking the distribution and giving cash, under the 2026 deduction rules.

✓ TestedChecked against an independent calculation; limits from IRS Notice 2025-67
A QCD saves you–
Take the RMD, give cashGive it as a QCD

QCD: sent directly from your IRA to an eligible charity (not a donor-advised fund or private foundation) from age 70½; up to $111,000 per person in 2026 (IRS Notice 2025-67). It counts toward your RMD and isn't taxable income, and it isn't deductible either. Cash gift: from 2026, non-itemizers can deduct up to $1,000 ($2,000 joint) of cash gifts; itemizers can deduct gifts above 0.5% of AGI. Tax saved = your rate × the difference in taxable income. A lower AGI can also reduce Medicare premiums (IRMAA) and the tax on Social Security; that isn't included. Assumes you'd itemize (or not) either way.

How it works

A qualified charitable distribution goes straight from your IRA to a charity, counts toward your RMD, and isn't taxable income. The alternative is to take the RMD, pay tax on it, and give cash, deducting what the 2026 rules allow: up to $1,000 ($2,000 joint) if you take the standard deduction, or gifts above 0.5% of AGI if you itemize. The calculator compares the two at your tax rate. A couple taking the standard deduction who give $8,000 save $720 at 12% or $1,320 at 22%. More in the QCD guide.

Worked examples