The Slott Report

IRAs (SEP, Inherited, Stretch) Highlight Mailbag

IRAs, IRAs, IRAs. We have a full plate (leftovers from Thanksgiving) of IRA questions in this week's Mailbag. These questions touch on topics such as SEP IRAs, inherited IRAs and naming the trust as the beneficiary of IRAs.

In-Plan Roth Rollover Guidance Released

IRS has released guidance on the conversion of 401(k) and 403(b) plan assets to Roth 401(k) or Roth 403(b) accounts in Notice 2010-84. This guidance also applies to governmental 457(b) plans beginning January 1, 2011. Here are the highlights: Plan participants, spouses, and alternate payees who are current or former spouses can do the in-plan Roth conversion.

Year-End IRA Checklist

The holiday season is a time for checklists. The good news is you don't have to make this list, but make sure to check it twice. Ed Slott created this year-end IRA checklist just for ALL OF OUR LOYAL READERS. You can read about many of the often-overlooked year-end items that could lead to a retirement savings windfall. Guard the money you have worked and saved for this holiday season.

Roth Conversions and Stretching The Tax in Mailbag

This week's Slott Report Mailbag discusses some complex, timely issues involving the myths about Roth conversions and the ability to stretch the tax paid on a Roth Conversion over three years. Can that be done?

Required Minimum Distributions for a Successor Beneficiary

Before we even get to the RMDs, what exactly is a successor beneficiary? Let’s say that Great-Uncle Scott dies and leaves his IRA to his daughter Rosemary. Rosemary is the IRA beneficiary. Rosemary names her nephew James as her “successor” beneficiary. If Rosemary dies with funds remaining in her inherited IRA, then James will succeed to her remaining benefit – he becomes the successor beneficiary.

Required Minimum Distributions While Working? Find Out in Mailbag

This week's Slott Report Mailbag discusses some complex, timely issues involving social security benefits and required minimum distributions while working past age 70 1/2. As always, we stress the importance of working with a competent, educated financial advisor to keep your retirement nest egg safe and secure.

IRA Subject to IRS Levy?

Can an IRA be levied by IRS?The bad news is that, yes, it can be subject to an IRS levy. The good news is that such a levy will not be subject to the 10% early distribution penalty if you are under age 59 ½ at the time of the levy. The amount taken by IRS will be reported as a distribution to you and you will owe income tax on the amount taken by IRS.