The Slott Report

Does My Inherited IRA Qualify for a QLAC?

Can an inherited IRA qualify for a QLAC (qualified longevity annuity contract)? Can I use my Roth IRA to pay for my grandchildren to go to college? These questions and more are answered in this week's Slott Report Mailbag.

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?

How Do I Take an RMD on An Account Valued at Zero?

This week's Slott Report Mailbag looks at a dilemma we see in many households: expected income exceeds Roth IRA contribution limits, so the family elects to open a Traditional IRA, only to see by year-end that the expected income fell under the contribution limits. Can this family convert the Traditional IRA money to a Roth? Also, we examine the process of taking a required minimum distribution on an account valued at zero, and answer an inherited IRA question about the proper way of distributing funds.

How to Reduce The Tax Bill on Your IRA to $0 (or Close to)

What if you could avoid 100% of the income tax on your IRA? Or at least reduce the tax to as close to $0 as possible? While a totally tax-free IRA may seem like something that only exists in your dreams, there are some circumstances in which it may be possible. Here's how to make your IRA dreams come true.

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.

Will I Be Affected By The Once-Per-Year IRA Rollover Rule?

This week's Slott Report Mailbag inquires about the new once-per-year IRA rollover rule as well as the tax implications on an IRA-to-Roth IRA conversion. As always, we recommend you work with a competent, educated financial advisor to keep your retirement nest egg safe and secure. You can find one in your area here.