As you approach retirement, you may be wondering how to maximize your savings so that you can enjoy your golden years without worrying about taxes. Fortunately, there are several types of retirement income that are not subject to taxes.
Here are six types of retirement income that are tax-free.
Roth Withdrawals
The first type of tax-free income is money withdrawn from a Roth IRA. Roth IRA contributions are made with after-tax dollars, so withdrawals during retirement are not subject to taxes. This can be a great way to save for retirement without worrying about taxes. IRA and 401(k) plans can be structured as Roth accounts. It doesn’t offer a tax deduction on contributions but allows tax-free withdrawals after the age of 59 ½.
While contributions are limited for high-income earners, you can convert traditional plans to a Roth at any time. However, you will have to pay taxes on the amount of the conversion. It’s typically more beneficial to start a Roth account earlier in your career to avoid a large tax bill during peak earning years. For this reason, it typically makes more sense to start a Roth earlier in your career rather than face a huge tax bill during your peak earning years.
Inheritances
Inheritances can be a valuable supplement to existing retirement savings, but it’s not wise to rely on them as the sole source of income in retirement. They are not guaranteed and the amount may not be sufficient. The tax-free nature of inheritances is an added bonus, as beneficiaries are not responsible for paying taxes on the inheritance they receive, except for very rare cases of the estate tax.
It’s important to have a well-rounded and diversified retirement plan, and inheritance can be a nice addition to that plan, but not the only one.
Municipal Bond Income
Municipal bonds are a great way to invest in your community while also generating tax-free income for your retirement. The interest earned from municipal bonds is tax-free at the federal level, making them a great way to supplement your retirement income. Additionally, if you buy a bond issued in your own state, you may also be eligible for a state tax exemption.
Not only do these bonds offer tax benefits, but they are also considered relatively safe investments. They are a good option for investors looking for a steady stream of income.
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HSA Withdrawals
Health savings accounts (HSA) offer a combination of tax benefits, similar to traditional and Roth IRAs. Contributions to an HSA earn a tax deduction, and earnings within the account grow tax-free. Withdrawals for qualifying healthcare expenses are tax-exempt, but withdrawals for non-healthcare purposes may face a 20% penalty. Once you reach age 65, you can withdraw HSA funds for any purpose without penalty, but still with ordinary income tax.
Social Security Payments
Social Security payments may be subject to taxes, depending on your income and filing status. For individuals, up to 50% of benefits may be taxable for incomes between $25,000 and $34,000 and up to 85% for incomes over $34,000. Joint filers may face similar taxes on up to 50% of benefits for incomes between $32,000 and $44,000 and up to 85% for higher incomes. It’s important to understand the way “combined income” is defined by the Social Security Administration which includes adjusted gross income, nontaxable interest, and half of Social Security benefits.
Life Insurance Proceeds
Receiving a life insurance payout may not be a reliable strategy for funding your retirement, but it can have a significant impact on your savings. These payouts, often in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, are tax-free to the recipient when taken as a lump sum rather than in installments. It’s important to understand the tax benefits of a life insurance payout as a supplement to your retirement plan, but not as a primary source of income.
In conclusion, there are several types of retirement income that are not subject to taxes. By understanding these options, you can maximize your retirement savings and enjoy your golden years without worrying about taxes.
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