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This letter is directed to a special group of people: Those age 70.5 years of age or older who have an IRA coming due this year. Because Congress and the president passed the America Tax Relief Act of 2012, the bill extends the IRA charitable rollover through Dec. 31.

What that means is the provision permits tax-free distributions to an eligible charity from and IRA held by citizens 70.5 or older of up to $100,000 per taxpayer, per taxable year.

More good news is that the extension allows donors to make distributions directly to eligible charities before Friday and elect to have such distributions treated as qualified charitable distributions in 2012. This change may be of particular benefit to donors who would like to take advantage of the rollover in both 2012 and 2013.

Please keep in mind that the Heartland Community Foundation -- (785) 621-4090 -- is a nonprofit entity that works for the betterment of Ellis, Trego and Rooks counties and is the home for more than 20 endowed charitable organizational funds.

Bob Lowen, executive director, Heartland Community Foundation