The Slott Report

5 Facts About the April 1 Required Beginning Date

It might sound hard to believe, but amazingly enough, we are just a few days away from the start of April. Its first day, Monday, April 1st, is known as April Fool’s Day to many, but to those in the retirement world, it’s better known as the required beginning date. Unfortunately, this date often causes a great deal of confusion for pre- and post-retirees, so with that in mind, below we explore 5 key facts you need to know about the April 1st deadline. Make sure you know these rules well, or come April Fool’s Day, the joke might be on you.

Using a Power of Attorney for an IRA

If you are elderly, or your parents are elderly and you help them with their finances, you should consider getting a Power or Attorney (POA). A POA lets you name or appoint someone to handle important legal and financial issues for you, either now or in the future if you are unable to make decisions for yourself. A POA can also be used to manage or make decisions related to your IRAs.

Are You Owed a Federal Income Tax Refund?

IRS has announced that an estimated 984,400 taxpayers who did not file a 2009 income tax return are owed over $917 million in refunds. In order to collect your refund, you must file your 2009 federal income tax return by April 15, 2013. The average refund owed is over $500. Find out more about how to claim this refund below.

Special IRA Distribution Tax Break for Miltiary Reservists

Certain retirement plan distributions, known as Qualified Reservist Distributions (QRDs) qualify for special tax breaks. The retirement plan distribution must come from an IRA or from amounts that were contributed as salary deferrals under a 401(k), 403(b) plan or a similar plan.

Retirement Plan Forms Used in Your Tax Return

IRS has announced that they are now processing all 2012 tax returns. Tax season is in full swing. What IRS forms might you need to file your tax return if you have any retirement plan transactions?

Slott Report Mailbag: Will Congress Renege on the Roth IRA’s Tax-Free Deal?

We understand the public's apprehension with those in Washington, D.C., and this week we received many questions on recent Congressional action and what may be in store for the future. This week's Slott Report Mailbag examines two issues Congress has not taken a stand on (and in our opinion won't for fear of public outcry and backlash) - the Roth IRA's tax-free distribution power and the Stretch IRA.

IRA Roundtable: Talking New Tax Laws, Tax Time Planning Strategies

Ed Slott and Company is spending two full days talking about the new tax laws, IRAs, retirement distribution planning and more during our 2-Day IRA Workshop starting tomorrow in Orlando. We took some time in the video below to talk about the new tax laws (American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012) and key planning strategies and dates clients and their tax team should be aware of when filing their 2012 tax returns.