By Ian Berger, JD
IRA Analyst
Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport

Question:

Can I make a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) from my IRA to pay for my grandson’s summer church camp?

Susan

Answer:

Hi Susan,

You can only make a QCD if the donation would be 100% deductible as a charitable contribution if you made it as a regular donation (outside your IRA). This means that nothing of value can be received in exchange for the donation. A QCD would not be available here since something of value is being received in exchange for your donation.

Question:

My wife and I are both 62 years old and semi-retired. This year I will have earned income of approximately $10,000 and she will have earned income of $6,000. Can we both fully fund an IRA in 2023 ($7,500 each) even though her earned income was only $6,000?

In other words, do spousal incomes combine?

Thanks for your insight.

Greg

Answer:

Hi Greg,

Yes, you can each make an IRA contribution of $7,500 this year. You can make a $7,500 contribution because your compensation is at least that amount. And your wife can make a $7,500 contribution because your combined compensation ($16,000) minus the amount of your contribution ($7,500) – $8,500 – is at least as high as $7,500.

https://www.irahelp.com/slottreport/qualified-charitable-distributions-and-spousal-ira-contributions-today%E2%80%99s-slott-report