The Slott Report

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.

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.

How Do I Report a Tax-Free Rollover on My Tax Return?

This week's Slott Report Mailbag examines a situation involving a spousal IRA beneficiary (the exact topic we detailed in this month's IRA Focus) as well as the procedure for reporting a tax-free IRA rollover during tax season (a key issue with April 15 right around the corner). Find the answers to these issues and more in this week's mailbag.