Would you prefer to simplify your giving? Tired of writing checks and paying for postage?

Several alternative methods for giving are available.

Online Contributions: This feature enables you to do a direct transfer from your savings/checking account or use a credit card to give to the Redeemer cause of your choice. Please note that the church does incur a processing fee. Or, you may also choose to donate via your smartphone.

Stock or Mutual Fund Donations: Detailed instructions can be found here and a form for donations can be found here. This is a great way to benefit both you and the church and avoid capital gains taxes.

IRAs and Required Minimum Distributions: If you are required to take a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from your traditional IRA, it can be used as a tax advantaged contribution to Redeemer. Now that Congress has made the Qualified Charitable Distribution provision in the tax code permanent, this is a great way to fund your giving to Redeemer and not have the RMD count towards your adjusted gross income.  If you instruct the investment firm that is your IRA custodian, to send your RMD or a portion of it directly to Redeemer, then it does not get included as part of your income. The key point here is that it cannot be passed through you but has to be made payable directly to the church. Your RMD form can be found here. If you are 70 1/2 or older, this may be a good opportunity for you to stay below the threshold for the Medicare high-income surcharge or help make less of your Social Security benefits subject to tax. You should check with your own tax adviser to confirm that this is something that would be appropriate for you.

If you have any questions about giving or the various methods, contact Sara Nail, Redeemer’s Financial Coordinator, at sara@redeemermclean.org.