text:  and you don't pay tax on it. So let's walk through a quick illustration. Let's say your RMD is $4,000 a year, and you give money to both the church and your favorite charity. Well, if you like, and you don't need the money, of course, you take $2,000 directly from your IRA or 401k and send it to your church, and $2,000 is sent to your favorite charity. Your RMD is $4,000 to $2,000 is covered. There's no more need to do an RMD, and you don't pay tax on it. So,