A client of mine brought me a 1099R instrument where he was distributed $14,000 as a taxable traditional IRA. The gross amount and taxable amount are both $14,000. Apparently, he was advised by his financial Advisor (who works for a reputable financial investment Co.) that if he donated $5,000.00 from this IRA to his church directly from the Financial Inst., that $5,000.00 would be tax free.  I asked my client if he could provide me with the IRS publication or any 2018 tax reform that supports this, I would be look into it.   I'm at a loss on this one????  Help!