The IRA Definition of Compensation
In order to make an IRA or Roth IRA contribution, you must have “compensation.” What exactly is the definition of compensation for IRA purposes? This article explains the various forms.
IRAs
3 Self-Directed IRA Issues To Understand … Before You Take the Plunge
The increase in investment opportunities that are often available in self-directed IRAs can be enticing, but these investments often present unique challenges that should be proactively addressed. The list of challenges is long, but here are three of the most important things to consider before you establish a self-directed IRA accounts.
Community Property and Your IRA: What You Need to Know
What do you get when community property mixes with your IRA? You will discover that the results can be confusing. Here are some facts every IRA owner should know.
Don’t Make This Common RMD Mistake – It’s a Big Penalty!
With the first group of Baby Boomers turning age 70 ½ this year, there is a whole new group of IRA owners who will begin taking required minimum distributions (RMDs). It is important that they know the rules about aggregating RMDs in order to avoid this frequent mistake made by individuals, advisors, and even IRA custodians and employer plans.
Exceptions to the Pro-Rata Rule for IRA Distributions
Have you ever made non-deductible IRA contributions? Or, rolled over after-tax funds from your company plan to your IRA? If so, you will want to know about the pro-rata rule. The pro-rata rule is a rule that almost always determines the taxation of an IRA distribution when the IRA owner has any IRA containing after-tax amounts. However, some IRA distributions are not subject to the pro-rata rule. These exceptions may provide an opportunity for you to lower the tax bill that comes with an IRA distribution or conversion.
5 Things You MUST Know (But Probably Don’t) About the “Still Working Exception”
In general, when you reach age 70 ½, you must begin to take required minimum distributions (RMDs) from your retirement accounts. There are, however, a number of exceptions to this rule. One such exception is commonly known as the “still working exception.” Under this exception, you may not have to take a distribution from your 401(k) or similar plan if...
You Are Never Too Old to Convert
There is a lot of information out there about how converting to a Roth IRA is a great move for younger people. This is no surprise. A younger person who converts may pay taxes on a smaller IRA balance and have years to accrue tax-free earnings in their Roth IRA. But what about older people? Older individuals should not overlook the potential tax benefits of converting later in life.
Who Pays For a Mistake in Your IRA?
You took a distribution from your employer plan or another IRA and the receiving company put it in the wrong account. Your IRA company did not process your 72(t) distribution in the correct amount. An advisor/salesman told you that the company offering a “great” investment could hold it as an IRA. Someone at the bank told you that you could do a rollover in 90 days, or that you could roll over more than one IRA distribution in a year. You get the idea. So who is at fault for these issues?
Want to Fund Your HSA with Your IRA? Here’s How
Did you know that you can use your IRA to fund your Health Savings Account (HSA)? You may be able to take advantage of a little known part of the tax code that allows a transaction called a Qualified HSA Funding Distribution (QHFD). Here's how.
Think You Are Debt Free If You Own an IRA, 401(k), or 403(b)? Think Again
While reasonably basic to an IRA specialist, the 9 ideas below are often overlooked by consumers and many financial practitioners alike who do not specialize in IRAs. Used appropriately, they may often help individuals and families preserve their retirement wealth. Perhaps they can help you too. Consider researching in more depth on your own, or perhaps broach any of the topics you feel may apply to you in more detail with your financial consultant(s).
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