The Slott Report

Fix Your 60-Day Rollover Mistake! IRS Releases New Guidance

In one fell swoop, the IRS has just saved thousands of IRAs from the harsh bite of needless and accelerated taxation. On Wednesday August 24, 2016, the IRS released Revenue Procedure 2016-47, which allows you to complete a late 60-day rollover of retirement funds using a self-certification. Here's what this means for retirement account owners.

Avoid This Common SEP IRA Mistake

A Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) is an employer sponsored retirement plan where contributions are made to employees’ IRAs. Don’t be fooled by the name! Although these plans are in fact designed to be “simplified” or less complex than other types of retirement plans, there are ways to go wrong and make errors. A seemingly small mistake with a SEP IRA plan can cause big problems.

How to Pay No Tax on Your Capital Gains Using a Free Step-Up in Basis

In order to encourage investments in companies, the tax code provides for the preferential treatment of capital gains (gain on property, such as a stock) if the investment being sold had been held for greater than one year. To illustrate this point, examine the following chart, which summarizes the ordinary income tax rates vs. the long-term capital gains rates that apply at various income levels.

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.

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.

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.