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Qualified
Charitable Distributions

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) can be a tax-efficient way to support the mission of St. John the Baptist Catholic School or St. John the Baptist Parish.

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Once you turn 73, the IRS requires you to take an annual Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from your traditional IRA. If you don’t need this income—and would prefer to avoid the associated tax liability—you may be able to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) instead.

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A QCD allows you to direct all or part of your RMD directly to a qualified charity, such as St. John the Baptist Catholic School or St. John the Baptist Parish. You don’t even have to wait until age 73 to begin—QCDs can be made starting at age 70½.

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Please consult your tax advisor to determine whether this strategy is right for you.

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What are the requirements for 2026?

  • You must be 73 years of age or older to be subject to RMDs (QCDs may begin at age 70½).

  • The distribution must be made from a traditional IRA (not a 401(k), 403(b), or similar retirement plan).

  • The distribution may be made to any organization classified as a 501(c)(3), including St. John the Baptist Catholic School or St. John the Baptist Parish. You may make QCDs to more than one qualified charity.

  • The contribution must be made directly from your IRA to the school or parish. You may not withdraw the funds first and then write a personal check.

  • Please notify the school or parish office that the contribution is coming so that a written acknowledgment can be provided for your tax records.

  • The IRS Form 1099-R you receive from your IRA custodian will not indicate that part of your distribution was a QCD.

  • The distribution must occur by December 31 to qualify for the current tax year.

  • The maximum total amount of charitable distributions is $111,000 per individual  for 2026. (Married couples can each make QCDs up to their individual limits from their own IRAs.)

  • The "Split"   strategy    is an optional strategy where you could choose for a portion of your asset to go to a beneficiary and the remainder would be directed towards the charity (i.e. St. John the Baptist).

What are the benefits to me?

  • A QCD satisfies all or part of your RMD and is excluded from your taxable income, even if you no longer itemize deductions.

  • Lower taxable income may help reduce your overall tax burden.

  • For example, if you are in the 12% tax bracket, a $1,000 QCD could save you $120 in taxes.

  • You have the satisfaction of supporting St. John the Baptist Catholic School or St. John the Baptist Parish and their important ministries.

  • In effect, you—not the government—decide how a portion of your tax dollars is used.

How can I make a Qualified Charitable Distribution?

  1. Contact Joseph Gonzalez, St. John the Baptist Development Director,   717-235-2156 (ext.  227), jgonzalez @sjbnf.org, and let him know you want to make a QCD. 

  2. Mark will tell you the name, address and other information that must be used by your IRA custodian on the check. 

  3. You tell him how the money is to be directed (Sunday Offering, Diocesan Annual Campaign).   If including other charities, please ask him how the check should me made out.

  4. Contact your IRA custodian and tell them you want to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution. Give them the name and address. Do NOT withhold any federal income tax. 

  5. You will receive a letter from St. John the Baptist acknowledging your gift. 

  6. Place this letter with your important papers and give it to your tax advisory next year.

  7. Please contact your tax advisor for additional guidance. 

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