Retirement Tax Surprises
Retirement is supposed to be a time to relax and enjoy yourself. However, the thought of retirement tax surprises can quickly turn your relaxing years into stressful ones. As such, it’s crucial to plan for taxes in your retirement planning to maximize your retirement funds.
Most retirees plan for retirement by saving enough funds and considering medical and long-term care, social security, estate planning, and other factors. However, taxes are often overlooked. It’s important to note that most retirement plan withdrawals are taxable, and you must pay taxes on all the money you withdraw from 401(k) plans or IRAs, except for after-tax contributions.
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The IRS also requires mandatory distributions once you reach 72 years old, and there’s a 50% penalty for failure to do so. Pensions are still taxed, just like other standard retirement plans, and social security benefits may also be taxable. Rising property taxes are also an expense that retirees have little control over, especially if they don’t plan on selling their homes.
Even if the gains in your retirement accounts are from long-term holdings, you’ll still have to pay ordinary income tax on your distributions. Moreover, if you take a distribution from a Roth IRA less than five years after opening it, your earnings are still taxable, even if you are over 59 1/2.
It’s crucial to be aware of these retirement tax surprises to prepare for them adequately. Tax planning should be part of your retirement planning, and you should consult a tax professional to help you with any questions or concerns. With proper preparation, you can enjoy your retirement without any financial worries. So, be ready for these retirement tax surprises and maximize your funds.
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