Matt Smith

Roth Conversions and Required Minimum Distributions: Today’s Slott Report Mailbag

QUESTION: Hello Mr. Slott, I have been doing Roth conversions this year from two small accounts (one a rollover IRA, the other a SEP-IRA) to consolidate into fewer accounts. The small SEP-IRA has been drained this year (2022) by converting the balance to my Roth. The rollover IRA was reduced by one third this year, and the rest should be converted to the Roth in early 2023.

Automatic Waiver of 50% Penalty for Missed Year-of-Death RMD

At this time of year, financial articles typically cover festive topics with creative holiday metaphors. “Stuff Your Stocking with These Year-End Retirement Tips” or, “Stay Off Santa’s Naughty List by Implementing These Great Planning Ideas.” Lighthearted and fun – albeit corny – such commentary is usually bright, cheerful and easy to read. As the year comes to a close, I’m sure I will include similar language in one of my upcoming articles.

Take Our RMD Quiz

If you have an IRA, you should know that the funds that are in the account can’t stay there forever. The rules say that you must begin to take required minimum distributions (RMDs) from your IRA once you reach your golden years. How well do you know the RMD rules? Take our RMD Quiz and find out!

A Refresher Course on Multiple Plan Contribution Limits

As you’ve probably heard, the IRS has announced the IRA and workplace plan contribution limits for 2023. Because most of those limits are tied to inflation, many increased substantially. Among the big jumps were the elective deferral limit for 401(k) and other workplace plans from $20,500 to $22,500 and the overall limit for all plan contributions from $61,000 to $66,000.

Random Real-Life Questions and Answers

Each day we receive dozens of retirement-related questions from advisor members of the Ed Slott Elite IRA Advisor Group. Conversations range from incredibly complex to obscure to, “I just need you to confirm what I was thinking.” Whether a long explanation is required or a quick comment, our members have our undivided attention. We take every question seriously and proactively fill in any information gaps. Here is a random sampling of some recent communications:

IRA Rules That We Give Thanks for in 2022

It is a Thanksgiving tradition here at the Slott Report to take a moment to give thanks for the IRA rules that are helpful to retirement savers. We know there are many times the rules governing retirement accounts can be tricky. They often seem illogical, confusing, and may be even unfair. However, there are others that work well and give us the tools we need to save for a secure retirement – and may be even get a few tax breaks along the way.

Deadline for Opening Up a New Solo 401(k) Plan

A solo 401(k) plan is a great retirement savings vehicle for self-employed business owners with no employees (other than their spouse). But if you’re considering a new solo 401(k), be aware that there’s a December 31, 2022 deadline to open up the plan if you want to make 2022 elective deferrals.

Deadline for Opening Up a New Solo 401(k) Plan

A solo 401(k) plan is a great retirement savings vehicle for self-employed business owners with no employees (other than their spouse). But if you’re considering a new solo 401(k), be aware that there’s a December 31, 2022 deadline to open up the plan if you want to make 2022 elective deferrals.