If you are 70½ or older and have an IRA, you are already qualified!
How a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) Works
You are at least 70½ years old with IRA funds you no longer need
Make a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) from your IRA
Your QCD goes directly to charity, supporting a cause you care about
*If you are 73 years old or older, your QCD can count towards your required minimum distribution (RMD)!
Did You Know?
You can also support our mission for years to come. Simply name Rail Passengers Association as a beneficiary of your IRA account, and the remaining assets (or a portion) of the account will be distributed to help us support passenger rail nationwide.
Sample Beneficiary Designation
Legal name: Rail Passengers Association
Address: 1200 G St. NW, Suite 240, Washington, DC 20005
Federal Tax ID number: 36-2615221
Discover the Benefits of a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)
Reduce Your Taxable Income
When you take funds from your IRA, they count as taxable income. But if you transfer them directly to charity, you reduce your taxable income while satisfying your RMD.
Fulfill Your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)
After you turn 73, you must distribute funds from your IRA. If you do not distribute the required minimum, you may be penalized, but a QCD allows a transfer up to $100,000 per individual or $200,000 per couple to satisfy your RMD.
Support Passenger Rail Improvement and Expansion
When you make a qualified charitable distribution from your IRA to Rail Passengers Association, you are helping advocate for improvements and expansion of passenger rails that will make an impact for generations.
“As a volunteer tax preparer, I’ve seen retirees not know that income in addition to their Social Security may cause some of their Social Security to be taxed. I learned that a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly to Rail Passengers Association from my IRA would mean not only would the QCD not increase my taxable income, but it would not increase the tax on my Social Security. It is a great way to give, even if you don’t itemize deductions, as the QCD becomes excluded from the income subject to tax. Depending on the amount, a QCD can also satisfy the Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from an IRA.
I give to the Rail Passengers Association because I have used trains for years in my travels. When I retired, I found Amtrak to be an even better way to travel. Rail Passengers Association is the most effective organization I know advocating for continuing and improving passenger service by rail for all people.”
—Lynn Aldrich, QCD Donor
Find Out if a Qualified Charitable Distribution is Right For You
| I was born before . | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|
| I have a qualified IRA. | Yes | No |
| I want to make a difference for passenger rails and riders. | Yes | No |
You’re qualified to make this type of gift!
It looks like there are still some requirements that need to be met!
Take Your Next Steps
Step 1
Get started by selecting your IRA custodian and filling out your information below.
This information will be used to pre-fill your distribution form.
STEP 2
Once you have downloaded and completed the rest of your form, please mail the form to your IRA custodian. We recommend mailing this by December 1 to ensure you receive your tax deduction for this year.
STEP 3
Please let us know about your generous gift!
We’d like to thank you and ensure your gift goes to the program or department you desire.