Tax Planning

After-Tax IRA Contributions, Distributions, Conversions at Tax Time

How do I tell IRS that my IRA distribution or Roth conversion is not taxable? We get this question fairly frequently at tax time - especially if the client has done a "backdoor" Roth conversion. Click to find the answer and more information on After-Tax IRA Contributions, Distributions, and Conversions at tax time.

Be Careful How You Mail Tax Return and IRA Contributions

Have you ever been to the post office on April 15th? If not, I wouldn't recommend it. It's a zoo. Chances are that if you ever make such a trip, the lines will be long and the wait even longer. Why? Because all the last-minute procrastinators are there to send out their tax returns. Click to find out how to avoid this rush.

Your 2014 Retirement Planning Building Blocks

It's never too late (or early) to get started on your 2014 retirement planning. There are certain building blocks that Ed Slott, America's IRA Expert, believes are the foundational keys to a successful long-term retirement plan. He goes through them in considerable detail in the IRAtv video below (click here to watch in browser), and here's a quick-hitting list of the key building blocks.

What Some Financial Advisors Are Getting Wrong About myRAs

Last week President Obama delivered his State of the Union address to the nation and introduced us all to a new type of retirement account, the myRA. Since then, the ins and outs of the new accounts have been minced and parsed in just about every way imaginable. Click to find out what some advisors are getting wrong about myRAs.

Differences between 401(k), Roth 401(k) and Roth IRA

We are starting to get asked whether or not there are required distributions from Roth 401(k), Roth 457(b), and Roth 403(b) accounts. The answer is – Yes. Following is our chart that compares some of the features of Roth IRAs, Roth 401(k)s, and 401(k)s.

Early Year IRA Contribution Question-and-Answer

Last week I posted a video discussing the importance of contributing to your retirement account early in the year. Without putting any more money into your account over the long run, by simply making your IRA contribution early in the year, as opposed to year-end (or even by April 15 of the following year), you can easily wind up with tens of thousands more in your retirement account to spend during your golden years. In response to the video, as well as the time of year in general, we've received a number of questions. Here are some of the most common ones, along with their answers.

IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions Expired for 2014

As we begin 2014, many of you who are charitably inclined have asked us about the status of QCDs (qualified charitable distributions). QCDs, known as charitable IRA rollovers, are a way of moving your IRA money tax-free to a charity.

IRS Releases Updated Form for Claiming the Saver’s Tax Credit

The IRS released the 2013 version of IRS Form 8880, Credit for Qualified Retirement Savings Contributions. The form is used to claim a federal income tax credit, known as the “saver’s credit,” if you make IRA contributions or certain salary deferral contributions to your company’s retirement plan, such as a 401(k) plan. Click to find out the criteria needed for receiving this credit.

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