The recent passage of the federal Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 contains an extension of the charitable IRA rollover. That's good news for many donors who can afford to make charitable gifts using their individual retirement accounts (IRA). Thanks to this extended legislation, individuals age 70 ½ and older may make gifts from their IRA accounts directly to WGBH and other qualified charities without being subject to federal income tax on the withdrawal.

This means that between now and December 31, 2009, you have an unprecedented opportunity to help WGBH. To qualify:

• You must be 70 ½ or older at the time of your gift
• Gifts must be made directly from your IRA account to the charity
• Qualifying gifts are limited to $100,000 each year in 2008 and 2009
• The amount must be in the form of an outright gift
• The transfers may be counted toward your minimum required distribution