Charitable Contributions and IRAs

For anyone who is required to take a distribution from his or her IRA, that is, anyone who is over 70 years of age and has a traditional IRA, there is good news.  As part of the "Fiscal Cliff" legislation, the provision for making a "Qualified Charitable Distribution" was renewed, and distributions made before January 31, 2013 can be made and not recognized as income on the taxpayer's 2012 tax return.  For more detailed information, contact your broker or personal tax professional.