It’s taken almost a full year – literally – but Congress is finally set to pass an appropriations act, which will include the much anticipated extenders bill. However, this isn’t your run-of-the-mill extenders bill. This year’s version of the extenders bill permanently extends several key tax provisions, including the QCD (Qualified Charitable Distribution) provision that allows certain IRA owners to give IRA funds directly to charity without having to include them in income. Stuffed into the bill under a section appropriately titled “Miscellaneous Provisions” are several other changes to the tax law – that have nothing to do with the extenders – but that may impact your planning for one or more reasons. The following is a brief summary of some of the most important provisions in the law.
The leaders of Congress promised us that they would deal with the issue of expired tax breaks early in the year so that the American public could proactively go forth with their tax planning based in reality. Well, that didn’t happen. It appears that neither Republicans nor Democrats have the ability to pass timely tax legislation. So, here we are again.
Are you facing big college tuition bills? Generally, if you take a taxable distribution from your IRA before you reach age 59 ½, you will be subject to an additional 10% early distribution penalty. However, an exception to the penalty allows you to take a penalty-free distribution from your IRA if you use the funds for qualified higher education expenses. If you decide to tap your IRA early in order to pay for education costs, you will want to avoid these four mistakes that others have made.
Year-end means busy. Chaotic, time-strapped busy with family obligations, festive celebrations and closing the books on 2015. "Closing the books" includes year-end tax planning - and to assist with that endeavor - I've detailed three tax planning strategies you should consider at year-end. So, if you are self-employed, own your own business or just want to take advantage of tax-saving strategies, read on for my list of key year-end maneuvers.
A new client calls or comes to your office. They tell you that they have just inherited retirement assets from their parent, spouse, sibling, friend – it doesn’t matter who. What is the first and most important question you ask them and what impact does that answer have?
If you are taking care of children and not working outside the home, you may believe that you are not eligible to make an IRA contribution. You may think that because IRA contributions must be based on taxable compensation, if you personally have not worked this year, you are out of luck. That may not be case. Here's why.
This week's Slott Report Mailbag looks at the process of reporting IRA distributions on your tax return - and what happens if you pay too much tax? - answers a question about a woman's rising Medicare Part B premiums and points out the key 401(k) employer plan provision that could allow you to move employer plan funds outside the plan while still a plan participant.
It's that time of year if you are an IRA owner age 70 ½ or older. You must take your required minimum distribution (RMD) before the end of the year. Not taking your RMD or the correct amount can result in crippling penalties, which is why we cover this topic in great detail at The Slott Report. Today, I examine 3 RMD mistakes you must avoid. Remember, it's not too late to take your RMD, just make sure you do it correctly with the assistance of a competent, educated financial advisor like the ones who trains in this specialized area.
If you have a traditional IRA and are age 70 ½ or older this year, you will have to take a required minimum distribution (RMD) from your IRA for 2015. Your 2015 RMD is calculated by dividing your December 31, 2014 IRA balance by a life expectancy factor. You can determine your life expectancy factor by using life expectancy tables issued by the IRS. You will most likely use the Uniform Lifetime Table except when this special spousal rule applies.
So, what happens to your IRA when your beneficiary dies? It all depends if the beneficiary dies before or after you. Let's look at a few examples to illustrate the differences.
