Matt Smith

After last year’s passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which overhauled the tax code, you might think Congress would be done with tax legislation for a while. That is not the case.

Good Morning, I have a question in regards to Roth 401k vs Roth IRA. Can you roll over your Roth 401k to a Roth IRA to avoid the RMD that must be taken when the individual reaches 70 1/2 with a Roth 401k?

We constantly see questions regarding the distribution rules for Roth IRAs. Personally, I’ve always thought that the failure to understand these rules prevents many from truly appreciating the benefits of these accounts.

A recharacterization is a tax-free transfer of funds from one kind of IRA to another. If you converted a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA and now are reconsidering, recharacterization allows you to undo the transaction and move the funds back to a traditional IRA.

i Read your column in the Chicago Tribune and have learned a lot. I have a question I don't think you have addressed. I have multiple Roth IRA's that I converted years ago, paid the taxes and they are continuing to grow.

Every so often, the IRS or the courts remind us that the exceptions to the 10% early distribution penalty are narrowly interpreted. That means if your situation doesn’t fit the letter of the law to a “t,” then the exception will not apply, and the tax will be due.

You may understand the basics of how an HSA works. The fundamental premise is not so complicated. If you have a qualifying high deductible health plan you may contribute to an HSA.

Question: Hello, I met Ed Slott at an FPA function where he spoke in Independence Ohio, several years ago. I have purchased books written by him, however I am not presently a subscriber to your service. I would appreciate your response to a question.

As summer ends and fall approaches, so does the season for taking required minimum distributions (RMDs). There is a 50% penalty for failing to take an RMD, so don't miss one. But don't just take an RMD, plan ahead now to make it work for you. Possibilities...

You may ask if you should leave your IRA to a trust. This can be a complicated question. Trusts can be complex and retirement accounts are not like other assets.