Christmas is in its waning phase. Stockings were hung; the gifts were opened. Christmas dinner was prepared, served and enjoyed by all.

As the holiday draws to a close and 2019 makes its way into 2020, there’s one part of the giving season that remains.

Many charitable organizations make a push for end-of-year donations, hoping to get off on the right, financially comfortable, foot for the coming year.

Here is where two things collide for the better: where an RMD = a QDC.

No, it’s not a complicated algebraic equation. It’s short form for a required minimum distribution and a qualified charitable distribution.

Those readers who are older than 70 1/2 years old and have a tax-deferred retirement account, such as an IRA, likely already know what this means. You’re required to take a minimum amount out of that account at the end of the year. If you do, it’s considered income and is therefore taxable. However, if you donate that RMD to an organization eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions, it’s no longer taxable income.

“A QCD is a tax-free distribution from a retirement account that can be donated directly to a qualified charity and be used to meet up to $100,000 of the required minimum distribution on your retirement account,” according to the Charles Schwab website.

There are many organizations in Beaufort County that would appreciate a boost here at the end of 2019, indeed, the end of a decade. For the animal lovers, there’s the Humane Society of Beaufort County. For art lovers, there’s Arts of the Pamlico. There’s the domestic violence shelter, Ruth’s House; the women’s and children’s shelter, Open Door Community Center; and the men’s shelter, Zion Shelter and Kitchen. Bright Futures supplies children with food, clothing and more when they see a student suffering and Boys & Girls Clubs’ shape the coming generations.

There are so many ways to give before the giving season comes to an official close. Think about making someone’s New Year happy with that QDC.