SmartAsset and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue through links in the content below. Imagine you’re 65 with $1.2 million in an IRA and a lingering question: should you convert your account into a Roth IRA? The answer may depend on how you go about it. A Roth conversion can provide some sizable advantages, including tax-free withdrawals and freedom from mandated distributions – but that doesn’t mean it’s always the right move. While there’s no prohibition or disadvantage to a Roth conversi ...

The second five-year rule relates specifically to Roth conversions and whether an early withdrawal of converted principal will be taxed. In effect, the rule only applies if you take a distribution before you turn 59 ½.If you are at least 59 ½ years old but have not met the five-year rule requirement, then you will pay income taxes on any earnings that are withdrawn. Since contributions to Roth IRAs are made with after-tax dollars, you can always withdraw the value of your contributions free of taxes and pen ...

Core Insights - The 2026 income tax brackets have been adjusted, providing taxpayers with more room in their respective brackets due to inflation adjustments [2][4][21] - The changes in tax brackets will result in lower taxes for many individuals if their income remains stable, with potential savings in the hundreds of dollars [4][6] - Strategic tax planning is essential for maximizing benefits from the updated brackets, particularly regarding Roth IRA conversions and capital gains [8][10][14] Tax Bracket Adjustments - Married couples filing jointly can earn up to $100,800 in the 12% bracket, an increase of $3,850 from the previous year [2] - Higher-earning couples in the 22% bracket can report income up to $211,400, up from $206,700 in 2025 [2] - The seven tax brackets range from 10% to 37%, with specific income thresholds for each bracket [5][21] Tax Planning Strategies - Taxpayers should consider both current and future tax implications when making financial decisions [6] - Knowing the tax brackets in advance aids in personal finance and tax-saving decisions, including Roth IRA conversions [7][8] - Filling up lower tax brackets without exceeding them is a recommended strategy to minimize tax liabilities [12][13] Roth IRA Conversions - The updated brackets allow for more income to be converted to Roth IRAs without moving into a higher tax bracket [9][10] - A couple in the 22% bracket in 2026 will have nearly $4,000 more room at the top of their bracket for Roth conversions [9] - Roth conversions are particularly beneficial for retirees with high traditional IRA balances, allowing for strategic tax management [11] Capital Gains Tax - The income threshold for the 0% capital gains tax rate will also increase, allowing more taxpayers to benefit from tax-free capital gains [14][15] - For 2026, the 0% capital gains rate applies to single filers with income up to $49,450 and joint filers with incomes up to $98,900 [14][16] - Taxpayers can realize significant capital gains without incurring federal taxes by managing their taxable income effectively [16][17] Withdrawal Strategies - Taxpayers close to crossing into a higher bracket should prioritize withdrawals from non-taxable accounts to minimize tax impacts [18][19] - Withdrawals from traditional IRAs and 401(k)s should be considered last, as they are treated as taxable income [19][20]

Core Insights - A couple with $2.5 million in savings and $40,000 in annual Social Security benefits can likely support a $100,000 lifestyle in retirement [1] - Strategic planning is essential for couples retiring simultaneously, particularly regarding health insurance and Social Security benefits [2][3] Retirement Timing and Health Insurance - Couples retiring before age 65 may face high private healthcare costs, making employer-sponsored healthcare valuable [2] - At age 67, eligibility for Medicare reduces the necessity for employer-sponsored healthcare [2] Social Security Strategy - It is advisable for the higher earner in a couple to defer Social Security benefits until age 70 to maximize income [3] - Deferring Social Security can create opportunities for Roth IRA conversions during low-income years post-retirement [3] Income Generation in Retirement - To achieve a $100,000 annual income, a conservative withdrawal rate of 4% is recommended, alongside investment diversification and careful budgeting [5] - With $2.5 million in savings and $40,000 from Social Security, the couple needs to generate an additional $60,000 annually, which is feasible with a well-structured portfolio [5]

Core Insights - The article discusses the "Social Security tax trap," which can lead to unexpected increases in Social Security taxes for retirees with significant retirement savings due to required minimum distributions (RMDs) starting at age 73 [3][5]. Group 1: Social Security Tax Trap - The Social Security tax trap results from increased income due to RMDs, which can raise taxable income and reduce net Social Security benefits [3]. - Retirees may face taxation on 50% to 85% of their Social Security benefits if their combined income exceeds certain thresholds, defined as adjusted gross income plus tax-exempt interest and half of Social Security benefits [4]. Group 2: Impact of RMDs - RMDs can also lead to higher Medicare premiums for retirees whose incomes surpass specific thresholds, resulting in additional surcharges on Part B and Part D benefits [6]. - The situation can create a "tax cliff," particularly for married couples with tax-deferred retirement accounts, where a small increase in income can lead to a significant tax burden [6]. Group 3: Strategies to Mitigate Tax Traps - One strategy to avoid the Social Security tax trap is to convert traditional IRAs to Roth IRAs, which eliminates RMDs on the converted amount, although taxes will be due in the year of conversion [8]. - It is recommended to spread the conversion over several years to minimize the tax impact and avoid moving into a higher tax bracket [8].