In Which Tax Year Do I Recognize a QCD?

[Knucklehead46]

I ordered QCD checks on December 30, 2020, but didn't receive and distribute them until 2021.  Do I recognize these QCDs on my 2020 or 2021 tax returns?

[Hal_Al]

What was the date on the checks?

Did you get a 2020 1099-R for the QCD distribution?

What date does your year end IRA account statement say the funds came out of your account?

Q.   Do I recognize these QCDs on my 2020 or 2021 tax returns?

Simple answer: whatever year the 1099-R was issued for. 

But you may have a bigger question: did you meet your 2020 RMD requirement (not applicable if you were under 72, and over 70.5)? 

"For a QCD to count towards your current year's RMD, the funds must come out of your IRA by your RMD deadline, generally December 31."  Reference: https://www.fidelity.com/building-savings/learn-about-iras/required-minimum-distributions/qcds

[Knucklehead46]

Rumor has it that, under audit, IRS considers a contribution made in the year the recipient cashes the check, which would have been 2021 in my case.

This is baloney?

Thanks.

[Critter-3]

False ... the date on the check is what matters ... on that day the money was no longer yours even if they took months to cash the check. 

[Hal_Al]

Q. This is baloney?

A. Yes. Also Malarkey, balderdash, drivel and hogwash.