Roth IRA

Morningstar Videos: Ed Slott on Last Minute IRA Tax Tips

Ed Slott spoke with Morningstar's Christine Benz earlier this week about last-minute IRA tax tips, including choosing between a traditional IRA and Roth IRA contribution, the backdoor Roth IRA and Roth recharacterizations. The videos can be found below in their entirety. Ed Slott speaks about choosing between a traditional IRA and Roth IRA contribution in this video.

RMDs and Roth IRA 5-Year Rules Highlight Mailbag

This week's Slott Report Mailbag includes questions on required minimum distributions (RMDs) (what to take from what accounts) and the ever-popular Roth IRA 5-year rules...seriously, we get several questions on these ordering rules each week. Click to read this week's Q&A with our IRA Technical Consultant.

Roth IRA Contributions and Conversions Highlight Mailbag

Tax time is drawing near, and as expected, we had several questions about IRA and Roth IRA contributions in this week's Slott Report Mailbag. We answer those questions as well as a question on converting an IRA to a Roth IRA near retirement.

The Younger, The Richer: Start Saving Early with Roth IRA

One of the most effective ways to accumulate a large retirement nest egg is to start young. And no age is too young. In fact, the younger the better. Even a one year-old can make an IRA, or better yet, a Roth IRA, contribution as long as they have earned income – perhaps as a model in a Gerber Baby Food commercial. In reality though, most people don’t start contributing to retirement accounts until much later on in life.

When Can I Take a Roth Distribution? It’s All About the Rules

Last week I said that some taxpayers may be forced to take funds from their Roth IRA to pay the income tax due on a Roth IRA conversion. Yes, you can take money out of your Roth IRA. Generally there is no income tax due on a distribution, but if you are under age 59 ½ you may owe the 10% early distribution penalty. Here’s the way it works.

2011 Roth IRA Conversion Deadline

This question comes up ever January. Can I still do a Roth conversion for last year? After all, I have until April 15th to make a contribution to my IRA or Roth IRA for last year, so can I still do a conversion for last year?

Your IRA or Roth IRA is Included in Your Taxable Estate

Taxpayers believe that because they have already paid the income tax on Roth IRAs that the Roth IRA balance will not be included in the estate for estate tax purposes. As the title indicates, your IRA or Roth IRA will be included as part of your taxable estate at your death. Click to read more about where it says this.

Many Not Saving Enough; Roth IRAs Great for College

Two information-packed articles on "saving" came out today, and they are very beneficial to your retirement planning and IRA planning in general. Click to read more about "Roth IRA: A Great Way to Save for College" and "Many not saving enough for golden years."

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