IRAs, 401(k)s, and other traditional retirement savings plans make up a significant part of many investors net worth these days. During your working years, the tax deductions for contributions combined with tax deferred growth make these investments attractive for many younger workers.
But like the old saying goes, “all good things must come to an end.”
The IRS will only allow you to defer taxes in your IRA for only so long. When you reach that magical age of 70 1/2 you are now forced to begin taking minimum required distributions every year going forward.
These distributions are taxed as ordinary income and must be distributed each year by December 31st. You better make sure that you’re taking the withdrawal properly because the penalty for not doing so is 50% of the amount you should have taken. Ouch!
Here’s some tips for making smart decisions when it comes to taking the Required Minimum Distribution from your IRA each year.
Avoid two distributions in the same year. Retirees who delay their first retirement account withdrawal until April 1 will need to take two distributions in the same year because the second distribution will be due December 31. Withdrawals from 401(k)s and IRAs are taxed as income, and two withdrawals in the same year could significantly increase your income tax bill. Take a look at what your taxable income is going to be and determine whether or not two distributions are going to kick you into a higher tax bracket.
Delay 401(k) withdrawals if you are still working. People who are still working after age 70½ can delay distributions from their current 401(k), but not IRA, until April 1 of the year after they retire. If you are an employee, then you can continue to leave that money in the plan. However, employees who own 5 percent or more of the company sponsoring the plan must start 401(k) distributions after age 70½, even if they are still working.
Withdraw the correct amount. The distribution amount is generally calculated by dividing your account balance by an IRS estimate of your life expectancy. However, if you have a spouse who is more than 10 years younger than you and is the sole beneficiary of your IRA, your spouse’s age must also be factored into the calculation. Retirees over age 59½ can withdraw more than the required minimum amount each year, but excess withdrawals will not count toward required distributions in future years. Retirees can take any number of withdrawals they choose throughout the year, as long as the minimum is met by December 31 (or April 1 if it is your first required distribution).
Take distributions from the worst-performing account. If you have several IRAs, you must calculate the required minimum distribution for each account, but you don’t have to take a separate withdrawal from every IRA you own. You can add up your IRA distributions and take it all out of one IRA or a combination of any IRAs you choose. If you have three IRA accounts and they are paying you 1 percent, 3 percent, and 5 percent, my suggestion, in most cases, would be to take it all from the one that is paying you the least.
Those with a 401(k) or most other types of workplace retirement accounts must take a withdrawal from each account. However, if you have multiple 403(b) tax-sheltered annuity accounts, you can total the required minimum distributions and take them from any account or combination of accounts.
Convert to a Roth. There are no minimum distribution requirements for Roth IRAs. Workers already paid income taxes on Roth IRA contributions, and the money can be withdrawn as you need it or can be passed on to heirs. Once you have a Roth, then you don’t have to worry about distributions. Having both Roth and traditional retirement accounts can add tax diversification and flexibility to your retirement draw-down strategy.
If you’re looking for strategic ways to enhance the IRA withdrawals you’re forced to take, we’d be happy to discuss your options further. Just call us or leave a comment below.
More at Smart Strategies for Taking Required Minimum Distributions
About Eli Mitcham
Husband and proud Dad. I also help investors preserve their capital and protect their retirement against recessions and market crashes (but who really cares about that?)