SmartAsset and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue through links in the content below. I’m turning 68 shortly and plan to wait to claim my Social Security at age 70 to maximize the monthly benefit. I also plan to retire at the end of the year, if not sooner (so in three months or less). Does withdrawing from my traditional IRAs (current balance is $215,000) to reduce the income tax on my RMDs outweigh the benefit of keeping those withdrawals invested and growing tax-deferred? My understanding ...

Core Points - The article discusses the rules and strategies surrounding Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from pre-tax retirement accounts, emphasizing the importance of compliance to avoid penalties [4][25]. - It outlines methods to potentially reduce the tax impact of RMDs through strategies like Qualified Charitable Distributions and Roth conversions [12][15]. RMD Rules - RMDs apply to pre-tax retirement portfolios such as 401(k), 403(b), and traditional IRAs, with no RMDs required for taxed portfolios or Roth accounts [4][25]. - Starting at age 73, individuals must withdraw a minimum amount from each applicable pre-tax portfolio by the end of the year [3][4]. - The RMD amount is calculated based on the account balance at the end of the previous year divided by a distribution period set by the IRS [8][9]. Tax Implications - Failure to take the minimum distribution results in a 50% excise tax on the amount not withdrawn [1][6]. - Withdrawals from pre-tax portfolios are subject to income taxes, which is the primary reason for the RMD requirement [2][6]. Strategies to Manage RMDs - **Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)**: Allows individuals to transfer funds directly to charity, which counts towards the RMD and is not taxable [13][14]. - **Roth Conversion**: Converting pre-tax assets to a Roth IRA eliminates future RMD requirements on the converted amount, though taxes must be paid on the conversion [15][18]. - **Withdrawal Structuring**: Taking income from pre-tax portfolios first can reduce the value subject to RMDs, allowing other assets to grow [20][21]. - **Investing in Annuities**: Income generated from annuities can satisfy RMD requirements, providing a potential strategy to manage distributions [22][23]. Conclusion - RMDs are mandatory withdrawals from pre-tax retirement accounts, and while current year obligations cannot be reduced, future RMDs can be managed through strategic planning [25][28].

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 convers ...

Core Points - The article discusses the complexities of the five-year rules related to Roth IRA conversions and withdrawals, emphasizing the importance of understanding these rules to avoid unexpected taxes and penalties [4][17][21] Group 1: First Five-Year Rule - The first five-year rule applies to Roth IRA contributions and requires account owners to wait at least five tax years from their first contribution to withdraw earnings tax-free, provided they are at least 59 ½ years old [3][17] - If subsequent contributions or new Roth accounts are opened, the five-year clock does not restart [3][7] - The first five-year rule is relevant when determining tax implications on earnings withdrawn before the five-year period ends, even if the account owner is over 59 ½ years old [11][15] Group 2: Second Five-Year Rule - The second five-year rule pertains to Roth conversions and states that if a distribution is taken before age 59 ½, it will be subject to a 10% early withdrawal penalty [2][18] - For individuals over 59 ½, the second rule allows for the withdrawal of converted principal without a penalty, but any earnings withdrawn before the five-year period will be taxed [11][18] - Each Roth conversion has its own five-year clock that starts on January 1 of the year the conversion is completed [7][18] Group 3: Withdrawal Scenarios - Various scenarios illustrate the application of the five-year rules, such as withdrawing only principal without penalties or taxes if no earnings have been generated [13][14] - If earnings have been generated and the account owner wishes to withdraw the total account value before the five-year period, taxes will apply to the earnings portion [15] - Key questions to consider when planning withdrawals include the timing of the initial funding, whether the account has generated earnings, and the amount intended for withdrawal [16]

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].