IRAs

7 Ways You Can Mess Up Your Required Minimum Distribution

Taking your correct required minimum distribution (RMD) ... it sounds so easy; you just divide the balance of your IRA at the end of last year by your IRS-provided life expectancy factor. What could possibly go wrong? The answer: a lot, an awful lot. Read on for seven RMD mistakes you should avoid at all costs.

Timing Problems with IRAs and Divorce

When a married couple gets divorced, IRAs can be divided as a result. So, if you’re in the middle of a divorce, you should know that some or all of your IRA can be awarded to your ex-spouse. The process is similar to how some of your other assets are divvied up, but there are major differences and special rules that apply when you’re dealing with an IRA.

One-Third of Plan Participants are Giving Away Free Money … Are You?

One of the most common questions retirement savers ask is, “Where should I be saving for retirement? Should I be saving in my employer’s plan? An IRA?” While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to these questions, IRA Technical Expert Jeffrey Levine implores you to take advantage of "free" money.

Hardship Doesn’t Waive the 60-Day IRA Rollover Requirement

A taxpayer went to IRS with the plea that the 60-day IRA rollover period came and went without activity due to her financial instability during a time of employment insecurity and other stressful experiences. What was IRS' response to the request for more time?

How to Take Year-of-Death Required Distributions

We are frequently asked how to take an undistributed RMD (required minimum distribution) for an IRA account owner in pay status who died during the year. So, should the RMD come out of the deceased owner’s account before or after it is re-titled as an inherited IRA?

Year-of-Death Reporting for Deceased IRA Owners

If you are handling the affairs of an IRA owner who died last year, you need to be on the lookout for certain IRS reports that show IRA activity last year. Joe Cicchinelli walks you through the year-of-death reporting process.

A Tax-Filing Extension Does Not Mean an IRA Contribution Extension

The April 15 tax-filing deadline is fast approaching. If you haven't yet filed your taxes, don't panic. You can request a six-month extension. Can you get the same extension to make a 2014 IRA contribution? This article provides that answer plus some helpful places to search online if you need a tax-filing extension.

5 Common IRA Myths

IRAs are complicated, even more so if you believe one thing, but the correct rule is the complete opposite. These 5 common IRA myths spell trouble - taxes, penalties, hardships and missed opportunities - for those that believe them.

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