One frequently overlooked tax benefit is the spousal IRA. Generally, only taxpayers who have compensation can contribute to an IRA. The term “compensation” includes wages, tips, bonuses, professional fees, commissions, taxable alimony received, and net income from self-employment. Spousal IRAs are the exception to that rule as long as the spouse has adequate compensation. A …
Retirement Planning
Keeping Your Designated IRA Beneficiary Current Is Important
Keeping your designated IRA beneficiary current is very important. You may not want your account going to your ex-spouse. And you definitely don’t want your chosen beneficiary to be someone who is deceased. Plus, the decision about whom you wish to designate as the beneficiary of your traditional IRA affects other items including: The minimum …
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Did You Take Your 2020 Required Minimum Distributions (RMD) Too Soon?
As part of the CARES Act, the requirement for taxpayers to take required minimum distributions (RMDs) has been waived. This is due to the drop in value for most investments as a result of the economic effects of COVID-19. What are Required Minimum Distributions (RMD) RMDs are required distributions from qualified retirement plans. They are …
Did You Take Your 2020 Required Minimum Distributions (RMD) Too Soon?Read More
Running Low on Money? Congress Has Made It Easier for You to Access Your Retirement Savings
If you are struggling financially due to the COVID-19 epidemic, you will be happy to know Congress, as part of the CARES Act enacted on March 27, has made it easier for you to access your retirement savings during this emergency. Normally, withdrawals from traditional IRAs and qualified plans such as 401(k)s, self-employed pension plans (SEPs), tax …
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Video Quick Tips: Good IRA News for Retirees
Now as part of the SECURE Act that was included in the Appropriations Act of 2020, and effective for tax years beginning in 2020, individuals who otherwise qualify can make traditional IRA contributions at any age.
Congress Does Away with the Stretch IRA
On December 20, 2019, President Trump signed into law the Appropriations Act of 2020, which included a number of tax law changes, including extending certain tax provisions that expired after 2017 or were about to expire, a number of retirement and IRA plan modifications, and other changes that will impact a large portion of U.S. …
New Twist Added To The IRA To Charity Provision
Explaining the new twist of the IRA to Charity provision is a bit challenging. Ever since 2006, individuals age 70½ or older have been able to transfer up to $100,000 annually from an IRA to a charity (as long as the charity qualifies). These transfers are referred to as qualified charitable distributions (QCDs). Here is …
Congress Removes IRA Contribution Age Restriction
On December 20, 2019, President Trump signed into law the Appropriations Act of 2020, which included a number of tax law changes. Some of these changes included a number of retirement and IRA plan modifications. This article is one of a series of articles dealing with those changes and how they may affect you. In …
70-1/2 Or Older? Avoid An IRS Penalty By Taking The Correct Retirement Plan Distribution
If you are age 70-1/2 or older and have a traditional IRA, a 401(k), or a SEP IRA, the tax law requires you to take at least a minimum amount – referred to as the required minimum distribution (RMD) – from those accounts each year. The tax code does not allow taxpayers to keep funds …
70-1/2 Or Older? Avoid An IRS Penalty By Taking The Correct Retirement Plan DistributionRead More
