The Slott Report

Jelly-of-the-Month Club

I counted them. This year the Slott Report published 101 blog articles. While other sites add “pay-for-content” firewalls, we continue to pump out incredibly valuable and important information, week after week, totally free of charge. One would be hard-pressed to find an IRA or retirement plan topic we did not touch in 2024. Yes, the Slott Report is the gift that keeps on giving: the IRA version of the Jelly-of-the-Month Club.

Holiday Cheers and Wishes

This is the time of year for good cheer and holiday wishes. In keeping with those traditions, here are some cheers and wishes for the IRS and Congress:

4 Things to Know About Rollovers Between Calendar Years

The IRA rollover rules are always tricky. However, if you are rolling over an IRA distribution when the calendar year changes, the rules can become especially challenging. Here are four things you need to know about rollovers as the year 2024 ends and the year 2025 arrives.

The QCD Dance

Tis the season for giving, and qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) are a popular way to donate to a favorite charity. However, rules must be followed. In a recent Slott Report entry (“QCD Timing,” December 4), I included the following closing line: “Some IRA accounts allow check-writing privileges. Checks written to a charity from a ‘checkbook IRA’ qualify as a valid QCD.

Updating Our Beneficiary RMD Cheat Sheet

In the May 8, 2024, Slott Report, we published a “cheat sheet” summarizing the confusing SECURE Act rules for beneficiary IRA (and company plan account) required minimum distributions (RMDs).

Who Must Take a 2024 RMD?

The holidays are upon us. There is shopping to do, gifts to wrap, and parties to attend. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the season, you may be forgiven if your retirement account is not at the top of your mind. However, for some retirement account owners and beneficiaries, a very important deadline is looming. December 31 is the deadline to take 2024 required minimum distributions (RMDs) for many individuals.

The Still-Working Exception and Roth Conversions in an RMD Year: Today’s Slott Report Mailbag

Question:If you continue to work past age 73, are you exempt from required minimum distributions (RMDs)? My 73 year-old wife is still working and contributing to her company's 401(k), and she doesn't own more than 5% of the company. Is she required to take out any RMD? Could you please clarify this rule for me? Thank you.