If you are 70½ or older, you can authorize your IRA administrator to make distributions from your IRA to one or more charities (not to exceed $100,000 annually to all charities combined). The amount transferred is known as a qualified charitable distribution (QCD). It counts toward your annual required minimum distribution from your IRA, which currently begins at 72. It is not included in your taxable income and is therefore equivalent to a charitable deduction.