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What is the Magical End Date to Make a 2014 Roth Conversion?

This week's Slott Report Mailbag examines some key IRA questions, especially as we creep ever closer to year-end. What is the magical end date to make a 2014 Roth conversion? Can I take the total of my RMDs (required minimum distributions) from one IRA? And finally, we touch on a key planning point involving inherited IRAs and trusts.

Can an IRA Distribution Cover My 403(b) RMD?

In this week's Slott Report Mailbag, we answer questions on if you can cover your employer plan RMD (required minimum distribution) with an IRA distribution, the rules governing 401(k)-to-IRA rollovers and the logistics of setting up your IRA for three beneficiaries.

Can I Move Non-IRA Assets to an Inherited IRA?

This week's Slott Report Mailbag examines how to title beneficiary IRA trusts and answers questions on moving non-IRA assets to inherited IRAs and accessing 403(b) funds and moving them to different accounts while still working.

IRS Gives Certain Michigan Residents More Time to Complete Some IRA Transactions

Victims of severe storms and flooding that started on August 11, 2014 in parts of Michigan may qualify for tax relief from the Internal Revenue Service. On September 26, the IRS issued News Release MI-2014-21, which extended certain deadlines for individuals and businesses affected by those storms. Read on to see if you are affected by these extensions.

How Would My Surviving Spouse Beneficiary Retitle an Inherited IRA?

This week's Slott Report Mailbag looks at how a QDRO (qualified domestic relations order) works with 401(k) withdrawals and details the IRA beneficiary process. 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.

Pro-Rata Tax Rules Still Apply When Converting IRA Funds to Roth IRA

Since the release of IRS Notice 2014-54 on September 18, 2014, there has been some confusion over whether the rules in that Notice apply to converting IRA funds to a Roth IRA. Notice 2014-54 provides favorable guidance for people with after-tax money in their company retirement plan, such as a 401(k). As a result of the Notice, if you have after-tax funds (basis) in your company plan, you may be able to convert some of your retirement savings to a Roth IRA tax-free.

IRAs and Loans Don’t Mix

Since you have unlimited access to your IRA funds, you might be tempted to use your IRA for personal use. While you are allowed to take an IRA distribution at any time, and for any reason, the IRA distribution will be taxable to you if you don’t roll it over within 60-days of receipt. So, in order to avoid having to pay federal income taxes on an IRA distribution, you might think to try and take a loan from your IRA instead. Unfortunately, taking a loan from your IRA could actually cost you MORE in taxes than taking an IRA distribution.

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