Congress just passed legislation to extend the IRA charitable rollover. The law also allows individuals who are 70 1/2 to make special gifts to charity (like us). Individuals who took a taxable distribution from their IRA in December 2012 can avoid taxes on the distribution by making a gift to charity in January 2013.

Even if you don’t qualify for a Charitable Rollover, there may be other charitable donations that can help you with the 2012 tax year. Since you’re about to talk to your accountant or tax preparer, it wouldn’t hurt to bring it up.

Image courtesy Alabama Scenic River Trail