The tax law changes may make a “QCD” (Qualified Charitable Distribution) advantageous. Because it produces taxable income, a retirement plan is one of the best types of assets to transfer to a charitable organization.  A QCD may preserve certain tax credits that you might lose in your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD). Many assets an heir inherits are free from income tax; however, they will have to pay income tax on payments from the decedent’s retirement plan (i.e. their 401(k) plan, IRA or profit sharing plan). If your desire is to make a charitable bequest, it is typically better to transfer taxable assets to the charitable cause and to transfer assets not subject to income tax to your heirs.