The Slott Report

SECURE 2.0 Eliminates Penalty on NIA

SECURE 2.0 is a mammoth piece of legislation that contains over 90 provisions that affect retirement accounts. While many of these provisions are not game changers, they still can be very helpful to specific groups of retirement savers. One of these is the provision that eliminates the 10% early distribution penalty that applies to net income attributable (NIA) when an excess IRA contribution is corrected by withdrawal.

EDBs Have a Choice: Stretch vs. 10-Year

By now, most are aware the SECURE Act created a new class of beneficiaries called “eligible designated beneficiaries” (EDBs). This group includes surviving spouses, minor children of the account owner (until age 21), disabled individuals, chronically ill individuals, and people who are not more than 10 years younger than the IRA owner. (Those older than the IRA owner also qualify.)

QCD Reporting and the Once-Per-Year Rollover Rule: Today’s Slott Report Mailbag

Question:Hi,Thank you for all the helpful insight on retirement. I wish I heard about your website earlier. I turned 72 last year and followed your advice on QCDs (qualified charitable distributions) but don't know how to claim it.My RMD (required minimum distribution) was $50k in 2022. I did a QCD of $10k and then withdrew $40k by the end of 2022. My taxable amount should be $40k and not $50k as listed on the 1099-R. How do I reflect that in my tax filing?Thank you for your assistance.

How the IRS Contribution Limits Work When You’re in Two Plans

How much can you contribute when you’re in two different retirement plans at the same time or at different times in the same year (e.g., after changing jobs)? The answer is complicated because there’re actually two different contribution limits – the “elective deferral limit” and the “overall contribution limit.”

5 Things to Know When Making a 2022 Roth IRA Contribution

Tax season is upon us. This is the time when you might be thinking about contributing to a retirement account. You may be interested in the Roth IRA, which offers the promise of tax-free withdrawals in retirement if you follow the rules. If you are making a 2022 Roth IRA contribution, here are 5 things you need to know:

Inherited IRAs and Roth Conversions: Today’s Slott Report Mailbag

QUESTION:I just inherited my spouse’s inherited IRA (he got it from his father). He (my husband) was already taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) based on his own single life expectancy. My question is, do I have to empty that account in 10 years based on the SECURE Act? (I think this is correct, but if I don't have to do it, I don't want to!)

Age 50 Exception Question

When IRA or retirement plan assets are withdrawn prior to age 59 ½, an early distribution penalty of 10% applies - in addition to any taxes owed on the distribution. However, there are exceptions in some cases, including the age 50 exception. While SECURE 2.0 expands this 10% penalty exception for public safety workers, the new law also creates a question.

SECURE 2.0 Allows Roth Employer Contributions in 401(k) Plans

Up to now, employer contributions to 401(k) (and other plans) had to be made to pre-tax accounts. One of the SECURE 2.0 changes already in effect allows employer contributions to be made to Roth accounts. Roth employer contributions are allowed in 401(k), 403(b) and governmental 457(b) plans. (In reality, 457(b) plans usually don’t have employer contributions to begin with.) Keep in mind that this covers employer contributions; many 401(k) (and other) plans already permit Roth employee contributions.

Roth IRA Distributions and the 10-Year Rule: Today’s Slott Report Mailbag

Question:If I did a Roth conversion in 2022, do I have to wait 5 years before I can touch the amount $16,500 (the amount I converted) penalty free? The Roth has been open since 2003 and I'm over 59 ½.Answer:The five-year rules for Roth IRA distributions can be very confusing. In your case, because you are over age 59 ½, you will have immediate tax and penalty free access to any converted funds in your Roth IRA. You will also have tax and penalty free distributions of any earnings in your Roth IRA since those distributions are qualified. They are qualified because you are over age 59 ½ and you have had a Roth IRA for at least five years.