Why You Should Use Your RMD to Support Roice-Hurst Humane Society

We're approaching the most wonderful time of the year — a time for visiting family, sharing traditions, eating the tastiest of food ... and shoring up your tax deductions before we ring in the New Year.

If you're required to take a minimum distribution from your 401(k), don't forget that you can donate it TAX FREE (up to $100,000) to a qualified charity such as Roice-Hurst Humane Society.

"Traditional IRA owners must start taking RMDs at age 70½ or face tax penalties," as Investopedia explains. "The charity must receive your donation by Dec. 31 for you to apply it to that year’s tax return. Roth IRAs do not require distributions while the account holder is alive."

Of course, you should review your situation with a qualified tax professional, but when it comes to choosing a qualified charity, the Roice-Hurst Humane Society is a great choice. Not only do they rescue and find new homes for thousands of animals, but they are constantly looking for ways to better serve our community.

"We never euthanize animals because of a lack of space or resources," according to the Roice-Hurst Humane Society website. "All healthy, treatable, and adoptable animals are cared for until they are adopted – whether it takes weeks, months, or longer."

Last year, Humane Society leaders launched the Community Health Through Shelter Pets Initiative, which provides structured interaction between shelter animals and those who could benefit from animal therapy. The visits, which happen both on-site and in the community, help socialize the cats and dogs and help reduce isolation, stress, blood pressure, loneliness and other concerns in the human participants.

Under the Grand Junction Cat Project, they work to control cat populations, both feral cats and pet cats that roam outdoors, by offering free spay and neuter services on a few select days each year. They also provide resources for neighborhoods in the 81501 zip code that have cat problems. (You can learn more here).

More recently, they purchased a 33-foot custom veterinary vehicle that will allow them to provide mobile vet services right in neighborhoods that need it the most.

For more information, visit rhhumanesociety.org and click here to donate online.