How do I include a qualified charitable contribution?

[VolvoGirl · Accepted solution]

A QCD for Qualified Charitable Distribution from an IRA?  You should have a 1099R for it.  

Enter a 1099R under
Federal Taxes on left
Wages & Income
Then scroll way down to Retirement Plans and Social Security
Then IRA, 401(k), Pension Plan Withdrawals (1099-R) – Click Start
If you are adding another 1099R there might be a Add button at the bottom of the list.

After you enter the 1099R keep going. One of the next screens will ask Transfer to Charity? Did you ask the Trustee to transfer all or part of this distribution of $xxx to a qualified charitable organization?

Then do NOT enter it again under Deductions & Credits.

To qualify as a QCD, the distribution must have taken place DIRECTLY from the account trustee to the charity. It's ok for them to send you a check made out to the Charity that you then mail to the Charity. Withdrawing funds and then making your own contribution to a charity DOES NOT qualify as a QCD. If that was done, then you have a potentially taxable distribution and a potentially deductible charitable contribution.