The Slott Report

Tim and Robert are identical twins. They wear the same clothes. They have similar hair styles. They have similar jobs and similar incomes. Tim and Robert are both concerned about taxes, and they agree that saving money for the future is very important.

Thanksgiving is only a few days away. This is a time when we gather together and express our gratitude for all the good things in our lives. When it comes to our retirement accounts, we too often complain about the negatives, such as the restrictions that are not logical and the complicated and confusing rules.

I am 70 ½ and still working in 2018. If I work part time (still employed) in 2019, can I delay my 401K RMD until 2020? Best regards,

There is a 131-page bill currently working its way through the U.S. legislature. The proposal would amend the Internal Revenue Code and encourage retirement savings. While the “Retirement Enhancement and Savings Act of 2018,” or RESA, still needs to make it through Congress – potentially before year end – it has strong tailwinds.

The road to retirement is long. Along the way you may need to move the funds in your IRA. When that time comes, you will want to be sure that everything is done correctly. Moving your retirement funds can be tricky and the consequences of a mistake can be serious.

Question: Dear Ed Slott team members, Would you please address the following scenario. You bought stock in an IRA for a $1000. Ten years later, it has appreciated to $10,000. If the stock was not in an IRA, you would owe capital gains tax on the gain of $9,000.

Assisting business owners with the establishment of a new 401K plan brings a multitude of questions. From plan design to investment options to employee education, everything is in play.

Good news for retirement savers! The IRA contribution limit, which was $5,500 for 2018, will rise to $6,000 for 2019. If you are over age 50 in 2019, you will be able to save even more. The limit for those who are age 50 or over in 2019 will be $7,000, up from $6,500 for 2018.

Question: Ed, I have converted a traditional IRA to a Roth this year, also have another Roth opened 10 years ago. Does IRS consider the converted Roth as being opened 10 years ago as far as earnings go? Can I combine the two accounts?

Most defined contribution company retirement plans are going to consist of at least two components: the contributions the employer makes to the plan and the deferrals from salary the employee makes into the plan.