“Third-party posts from Ed Slott’s IRA Blog:”

IRA BLOG

MANDATORY ROTH CATCH-UP CONTRIBUTIONS REQUIRED FOR 2024

By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport   One of the more controversial provisions of the new SECURE 2.0 law concerns 401(k) catch-up contributions. Most 401(k) plans – as well as 403(b) and governmental 457(b) plans – permit employees...

read more

CONVERSION AS A GIFT TO YOUR BENEFICIARIES

By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport Do you have an IRA you are thinking about converting to a Roth IRA? There are many benefits to converting. You trade an immediate tax bill for the promise of tax-free earnings...

read more

HOW THE RETIREMENT PLAN COMPENSATION LIMIT WORKS

By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport It’s certainly not a bad problem to have. But employees with very high compensation cannot have their retirement plan benefits based on all of their pay. Instead, the tax code allows only compensation...

read more

THE 5-YEAR RULE FOR CONVERTED ROTH IRA FUNDS

By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education If you recently converted your traditional IRA to a Roth IRA and you under 59 ½, you will want to know about the five-year rule for penalty-free distributions of converted funds from your Roth IRA. Many people are...

read more

5 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD NOT OPEN A ROTH IRA

By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport In my April 12 Slott Report entry (“5 Reasons to Open a Roth IRA Immediately!”), I included a handful of points as to why it was imperative to open a Roth IRA, especially before the tax filing...

read more

DO SPOUSES HAVE ANY RIGHTS TO RETIREMENT PLAN ACCOUNTS?

By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport One important way that IRAs differ from company retirement plans is with respect to spousal financial rights. Most married IRA owners do not need spousal consent before designating a beneficiary other...

read more

ROTH IRA VS. ROTH 401(K)

By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport More 401(k) plans are starting to offer Roth options. If you now have this option, you may be wondering what the difference is between a Roth IRA and a Roth 401(k). Which...

read more

5 REASONS TO OPEN A ROTH IRA IMMEDIATELY!

By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport Time is running out! The tax filing deadline is Tuesday, April 18. Why is this important? Because that is the last day an IRA can be opened and/or funded for the previous year. Even if a...

read more

IRS SIGNALS THAT IT WILL STILL WAIVE MISSED RMD PENALTIES

By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport Despite the reduction in the penalty for missing required minimum distributions (RMDs) in the new SECURE 2.0 law, it looks like you will still be able to get the IRS to waive the penalty altogether....

read more

5 HSA RULES YOU NEED TO KNOW

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are rapidly growing in both size and in number. These accounts offer deductible contributions and tax-free distributions for qualified medical expenses. An HSA can be a valuable tool not only for paying for medical expenses but also for...

read more

VESTING IN COMPANY PLANS AND NEW IRS FORFEITURE RULES

By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport When you leave your job and aren’t fully vested in your company plan account, the plan will forfeit your unvested portion. Recently, the IRS issued new guidance clarifying the forfeiture rules....

read more

3 TIPS FOR MAKING YOUR 2022 IRA CONTRIBUTION

By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport Tax season is in full swing. That means that the 2022 tax-filing deadline is not far away. Are you considering making a 2022 IRA contribution? Time is quickly running out. Here...

read more

BLOODY MARY AND A 401(K)

By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport Spring break. Warm breezes and ocean waves and fancy cocktails are top of mind. The aroma of coconut suntan lotion entwined with barbecue smoke floats on salty air. And when morning light...

read more

CAN I REACH MY 401(K) FUNDS WHILE STILL WORKING?

By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport We continue to get questions about the ability of employees to withdraw from 401(k) plans while still working. The tax code includes certain restrictions on these in-service withdrawals. Plans must...

read more

3 TIPS FOR MAKING YOUR 2022 IRA CONTRIBUTION

By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport Tax season is in full swing. That means that the 2022 tax-filing deadline is not far away. Are you considering making a 2022 IRA contribution? Time is quickly running out. Here...

read more

THE INTERNET SAID SO

By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport People on TikTok create investment advice videos? And I’m supposed to trust whatever this talking head is telling me? No chance. Of course, the person on TikTok could hold a number of higher...

read more

SECURE 2.0 ELIMINATES PENALTY ON NIA

By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport SECURE 2.0 is a mammoth piece of legislation that contains over 90 provisions that affect retirement accounts. While many of these provisions are not game changers, they still...

read more

EDBS HAVE A CHOICE: STRETCH VS. 10-YEAR

By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport By now, most are aware the SECURE Act created a new class of beneficiaries called “eligible designated beneficiaries” (EDBs). This group includes surviving spouses, minor children of the...

read more

5 THINGS TO KNOW WHEN MAKING A 2022 ROTH IRA CONTRIBUTION

By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport Tax season is upon us. This is the time when you might be thinking about contributing to a retirement account. You may be interested in the Roth IRA, which offers the promise...

read more

AGE 50 EXCEPTION QUESTION

By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport When IRA or retirement plan assets are withdrawn prior to age 59 ½, an early distribution penalty of 10% applies - in addition to any taxes owed on the distribution. However, there are...

read more

SECURE 2.0 MODIFIES RULES FOR SPECIAL NEEDS TRUSTS

By Sarah Brenner, JD IRA Analyst Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport The SECURE Act changed the game for inherited IRAs. For most beneficiaries, the stretch IRA is gone and has been replaced by the 10-year payout rule. However, the SECURE Act carved out some rules...

read more

IRA RMD AGE MADE EASY

By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport A ton of questions on this topic have come across our desks, and we have seen swirling, hypnotizing spirals in the eyes of many an advisor. I can only imagine what the general public is...

read more

SECURE 2.0 CHANGES ALREADY IN EFFECT

By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport The SECURE 2.0 Act, enacted into law on December 29, 2022, makes over 90 changes to the IRA and employer plan tax rules. If that isn’t enough, many of these provisions aren’t immediately effective and...

read more

ROTH-O-MANIA!

By Sarah Brenner, JD IRA Analyst Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport SECURE 2.0 is now the law of the land and one thing is very clear. Roth-O-Mania is here! In their quest for more revenue, Congress has created more options to save with Roth accounts. These...

read more

529 PLANS AND ROTH IRAS: TODAY'S SLOTT REPORT MAILBAG

By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport Question: Hello Ed, I have a question concerning Secure 2.0 pertaining to transferring “leftover” 529 plan account balances into a Roth IRA, beginning 2024. If I have no income in 2024, can I...

read more

SECURE 2.0 ELIMINATES RMDS ON ROTH PLAN DOLLARS IN 2024

By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport If a person has a Traditional IRA and is of the age when lifetime required minimum distributions (RMDs) apply, then that person must withdraw a portion of that account annually. The amount to...

read more

SECURE 2.0 ALLOWS ROLLOVERS OF 529 FUNDS TO ROTH IRAS

By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport We’re getting a lot of questions about the SECURE 2.0 provision allowing tax-free rollovers from 529 plans to Roth IRAs. Although this new rollover opportunity sounds exciting, there are a number of...

read more

QCDS AND 60-DAY ROLLOVERS: TODAY'S SLOTT REPORT MAILBAG

By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport Question: I am confused regarding the requirements for making a qualified charitable distribution. Is it necessary for the donation to be sent directly from the financial...

read more

WHO CAN DELAY THEIR RMD UNDER SECURE 2.0?

By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport One of the provisions of the recently passed SECURE 2.0 that has gotten the most attentions is the one that allows some retirement account owners to delay their required...

read more

RMDS UNDER SECURE ACT 2.0: TODAY'S SLOTT REPORT MAILBAG

By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport Question: On reading your SECURE 2.0 information, a revised RMD (required minimum distribution) to age 73 was mentioned. Prior to this new legislation, 72 was the RMD age. If this is in effect now in...

read more

SECURE 2.0 CHANGES THAT APPLY TO WORKPLACE PLANS

By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport In our December 28 and January 2 Slott Report articles, we focused mostly on the provisions of the new SECURE 2.0 law that apply to IRAs. But many of the law’s changes are directed towards workplace...

read more

TOP TAKEAWAYS FROM SECURE 2.0 FOR 2023

By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport The year 2023 has arrived. It is a new year, and we have new rules for retirement accounts thanks to SECURE 2.0 which Congress passed in the waning days of last year. SECURE...

read more

RANDOM REAL-LIFE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport 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...

read more

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! CONGRESS GIFTS SECURE 2.0

By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport This holiday season Congress has given us SECURE 2.0. With no time to spare to avoid a government shutdown, they passed the $1.7 trillion Consolidated Appropriations Act of...

read more

CONGRESS CONSIDERS SPENDING BILL THAT INCLUDES SECURE 2.0

By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport As you may have read, Congress is considering passage of a $1.65 trillion spending bill that contains a number of retirement savings plan provisions. As of this morning (December 21), the bill has not...

read more

10 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISOR

By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport A repair man is currently fixing the sliding glass door on the back of my house. The track is worn and the rollers need replacing. No small task. The doors weigh a ton, you need one of those...

read more

4 IRA TASKS TO GET DONE BY YEAR END 2022

By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport The year 2022 is coming to a close. The holidays season is upon us. That means that the clock is ticking on year-end IRA deadlines. Be sure to get the following four...

read more

BIG INCREASE IN MANY 2023 RETIREMENT PLAN CONTRIBUTION LIMITS

By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport The IRS has announced the retirement contribution limits for 2023. Because many of these limits are tied to inflation, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that some of the limits had a big jump. Here’s a...

read more

AUTOMATIC WAIVER OF 50% PENALTY FOR MISSED YEAR-OF-DEATH RMD

By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport 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...

read more

TAKE OUR RMD QUIZ

By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport 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...

read more

A REFRESHER COURSE ON MULTIPLE PLAN CONTRIBUTION LIMITS

By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport 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...

read more

IRA RULES THAT WE GIVE THANKS FOR IN 2022

By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport 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...

read more

DEADLINE FOR OPENING UP A NEW SOLO 401(K) PLAN

By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport 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...

read more

NUA – TRIGGER ACTIVATORS!

By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst The goal of the net unrealized appreciation (NUA) tax strategy is to enable a person to pay taxes on the appreciation of company stock formerly in a work plan at long term capital gain rates as opposed to ordinary income rates. The...

read more

IRA TRANSACTIONS THAT CAN BE MISSED

By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport Not every IRA transaction is easily identifiable. Some require a little legwork to reveal or report what occurred. Some transactions are not even labeled on official IRS tax forms and can go...

read more

THE REQUIRED BEGINNING DATE IS NOW A “REALLY BIG DEAL”

By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport When it comes to IRAs and workplace plans, the concept of the “required  beginning date” (RBD) is a “really big deal” again. The RBD is the first date you’re required to start required minimum...

read more

A TAX-FREE ROTH IRA DISTRIBUTION IN 5 EASY STEPS

By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport Roth IRAs offer a trade-off where you pay taxes now on your contribution (or conversion) in exchange for tax-free earnings later. Don’t miss out on tax-free Roth IRA...

read more

THE CLOCK IS TICKING ON 2022 CONVERSIONS

By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport Fall is in full swing now with football, foliage, and pumpkin spice everything. The holiday season is just around the corner. Before we know it, the year 2022 will come to an...

read more

RMDS AND ROTH IRA 5-YEAR RULE: TODAY’S SLOTT REPORT MAILBAG

By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport QUESTION: Iturn 72 next month.  Can I take part of my RMD this year and the balance before April of next year? Howard ANSWER: Howard, Happy early birthday! Since you turn 72 this year, 2022 is...

read more

THE LAS VEGAS CONFERENCE

By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport The Ed Slott team hosted a highly successful training program for members of Ed Slott's Elite IRA Advisor Group℠ and Ed Slott's Master Elite Advisor Group℠ last week in Las Vegas. Over 300...

read more

IRA ROLLOVERS AND 2021 RMDS: TODAY’S SLOTT REPORT MAILBAG

By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport Question: Can an IRA to Roth IRA rollover be spread out over two transactions to soften the upfront tax hit? Answer: When a conversion is done, any taxes owed would be owed in...

read more

A CLEAR EXPLANATION OF THE RBD

By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport SECURE Act regulations shoved the required beginning date (RBD) to the front of the stage. No longer can the RBD hide from the bright lights. What was once somewhat of a minor date in people’s...

read more

IRS PROVIDES SOME RELIEF FOR VICTIMS OF HURRICANE IAN

By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport If you are a victim of Hurricane Ian, you may be eligible for some relief when it comes to your retirement accounts. The IRS has postponed certain tax deadlines for individuals...

read more

RMDS AND INHERITED IRAS: TODAY’S SLOTT REPORT MAILBAG

By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport Question: I must take an RMD this year, based on 12/31/2021 account values. My current account values are much less than those of 12/31/2021. This is typical, I’m sure. Is there any chance...

read more

“UPDATE NEEDED” – TOP 5 IRA ITEMS TO CONSIDER

By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport We are constantly bombarded with requests to update our information. “Password needs updating.” “Software update for your mobile device.” “Please update your email so our marketing team can...

read more

IRS REGULATIONS AND QCDS: TODAY’S SLOTT REPORT MAILBAG

By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport Question: When will the IRS release final regulations for RMDs on beneficiary IRAs? Kim Answer: Hi Kim, That is a great question. We have been fielding many inquiries about...

read more

HOW ARE ROTH 401(K) DISTRIBUTIONS TAXED?

By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport More and more 401(k) plans now offer Roth contributions. At the same time, Americans are changing jobs and receiving 401(k) distributions in record numbers. So, it’s a good time to review the tax...

read more

QCDS AND THE ABSOLUTE NECESSITY FOR A CWA

By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) are a common transaction these days, but all guidelines must be followed to ensure the QCD is valid. Recent court cases have exposed the absolute...

read more

3 IRA RULES TO KNOW BEFORE YOU WALK DOWN THE AISLE

By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport According to many recent surveys, the fall months of September and October are overtaking June as the most popular time of year to tie the knot. If your wedding is approaching...

read more

THE LIMITS OF ERISA SPOUSAL PROTECTION

By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport A recent federal court case from West Virginia illustrates that the spouse of a 401(k) participant usually has no right to prevent the plan from paying the participant a lump sum distribution....

read more

ROTH IRA DISTRIBUTION ORDERING RULES

By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport This may seem like a rudimentary topic, but it is the basics that are often so confusing. A fundamental understanding of Roth IRA distributions is essential for Roth IRA owners. In a blog post...

read more

YOUR AGE AND YOUR ROTH IRA CONVERSION

By Sarah Brenner, JD IRA Analyst Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport Questions on how age affects the decision to convert to a Roth IRA are common. What age is too old to convert? There is no easy answer to this question because there is no magic age when conversion...

read more

Ed Slott’s Elite IRA Advisor Group (Ed Slott Group) is a membership organization owned by Ed Slott and Company, LLC. Qualifying criteIAR for membership includes completing specified educational courses offered by Ed Slott Group. Ed Slott Group membership requirements include the payment of annual dues. Logos and/or trademarks are property of their respective owners and no endorsement of (Thad Wellshear) or (TGW Wealth Management) is stated or implied. Ed Slott Group and Ed Slott and Company, LLC are not affiliated with TGW Wealth Management.

For the detailed requirements of Ed Slott’s Elite IRA Advisor Group, please visit: https://www.irahelp.com/EliteGroup

Phone (785) 213-0740

 

Advisory services offered through Foundations Investment Advisors, an SEC Registered Investment Adviser.