The Slott Report

Should You Begin 72(t) (SEPPs, SOSEPPS) Distributions in the Fiscal or Calendar Year?

A client is setting up a 72(t) distribution schedule – substantially equal periodic payments that will be exempt from the 10% early distribution penalty. Her first distribution won't be made until September and she would like to take monthly payments. But she also wants the full distribution for the first year, not just four payments. Can she do this? We answer this question below.

RMD and Roth IRA Conversion Questions Highlight Slott Report Mailbag

Fall is upon us, at least that's what we think every time we walk past a coffee shop. People are beginning year-end retirement planning preparations, and this week's Slott Report Mailbag includes questions on required minimum distributions (RMDs) and two different scenarios for Roth conversions.

IRAtv: 3 Ways to Maximize Your Company Retirement Plan

Summer is over, kids are returning to school and we are all getting back into a regular work schedule. Now is the best time to learn how to maximize your company-sponsored retirement plan. Ed Slott and Company IRA Technical Consultant Jeffrey Levine details 3 ways to maximize your retirement plan in this IRAtv video shown below.

Roth IRA 5-Year Rules and Beneficiary Planning Options Highlight Slott Report Mailbag

The unofficial end of summer comes with the Labor Day weekend...where did time go? Time does in fact fly, which makes planning for your future today more important. After all, tomorrow will be here before we know it. This week's Slott Report Mailbag includes questions (and our answers) on the Roth IRA 5-year rules and the best ways to leave an inheritance to younger beneficiaries.

What You Need to Know About Inherited Roth IRAs

When a Roth IRA owner dies, the money belongs to the beneficiary. Although Roth IRA owners never have to take minimum distributions during their lifetime, the beneficiary must take distributions after the Roth IRA owner dies. Roth IRA beneficiaries have the same after-death stretch opportunity as if they inherited a traditional IRA. There are two options for you as the beneficiary of a Roth IRA, which we explain below.

Naming Contingent Beneficiaries of Your IRA is a Good Idea

Almost all IRA owners will name a primary beneficiary of their IRA; usually some person who will receive your IRA assets after you die, such as your wife or husband or children. Virtually all IRA custodians will also allow you to name a contingent beneficiary.

IRAtv: Ed Slott’s IRA Rollover Steps to Success

Ed Slott, America's IRA Expert, details the IRA rollover rules and procedures so you can avoid needless taxes and penalties on your rollovers from employer plans (401(k)s for example) to IRAs or from one IRA to another IRA. Ed Slott takes you through the steps to IRA rollover success! View this IRAtv video below.

How Important Is Your Beneficiary Form? THIS Important!

Let's assume you have an IRA or retirement plan or annuity or even life insurance. All of those things have a beneficiary form. They do not pass through your will and they are not probate assets as long as you have completed or updated the beneficiary form.

Roth IRA Rollover Rule, 10% Penalty Exception and Roth IRA Conversion Questions Highlight Mailbag

Can you believe summer is almost over? Yet, The Slott Report Mailbag was full of pertinent IRA and retirement planning questions from consumers who are trying to make the right decisions as the dog days rapidly turn into fall. This week's installment includes questions (and our answers) on the 60-day deadline on Roth IRA rollovers, 10% penalty exceptions and Roth IRA conversions.