By Adam Bruno, Certified Financial Fiduciary®
It would be nice if the Roth IRA had been around long as the traditional IRA. Imagine the long-term benefits of tax-free growth throughout a 40-year career. Annual contribution limits for IRAs are relatively low ($6,000; $7,000 for 50-plus), but the Roth is a good complement for investors who also contribute to an employer-based retirement plan. While 401(k) contributions are made from tax-deferred income, Roth contributions are derived from previously taxed income. Both vehicles are permitted to grow without taxes on earnings; however, in retirement, you don’t have to pay any taxes on Roth distributions, whereas all 401(k) distributions are taxed at your then-regular income tax rate.1
That tax bite during retirement can feel pretty punishing when you’re on a fixed income. It’s one reason why the Roth has an edge over the traditional IRA — which also taxes distributions in retirement. One of the key strategies that has emerged in the Roth IRA era is tax diversification in retirement: Try to invest in such a way that not all your income is taxable. This can help avoid taxes on Social Security benefits and keep you from having to pay higher Medicare premiums.2
Everyone has different circumstances, and you should build your financial portfolio to reflect your needs and objectives. Since the total amount you can contribute to an IRA each year — traditional, Roth or a combination — is limited, it’s typically a good idea to pick one that best meets your needs. Another viable strategy for reducing taxes in retirement is later converting a traditional or rollover IRA to a Roth. Investors also should consider the advantages of both versions for estate planning purposes. If you have any questions, or would like help developing a long-term IRA strategy, please contact us.
Distributions from a Roth IRA can increase your income during retirement since qualified withdrawals are not taxed. Moreover, if an investor doesn’t need to use his Roth funds during retirement, those assets and all potential tax-free earnings they generate can be left tax-free to heirs.
Whatever amount he passes on can continue growing tax-deferred and eventually be withdrawn tax free. Note that non-spouse beneficiaries of a Roth will need to take full distribution within 10 years of inheriting the money. However, when beneficiaries have the discipline to leave that money in the inherited Roth for the full 10 years, it can continue to grow for an even larger inheritance with no tax consequences.3
By contrast, traditional IRA distributions to heirs are considered taxable income in the year(s) withdrawn.4 So don’t just think about reducing your own taxes with a Roth; consider its tax-free advantage for your heirs.
Be aware that you can contribute only earned income to an IRA. That precludes Social Security and pension income, dividends, etc. You may continue to contribute throughout retirement as long as you’re earning some income — and may only contribute up to amounts earned, subject to the contribution limits. Also bear in mind that there are income limits for making Roth IRA contributions. Single tax filers must earn less than $140,000 (in 2021); the married and file jointly income limit is 208,000.5
In a Roth conversion, you can move money from a 401(k) into a Roth IRA, converting all or a portion of assets throughout time, but there are considerations. For example, you’ll have to pay taxes on the money you move in the year it’s converted. That’s a good reason to only move a portion at a time; try not to tip your reported income into a higher tax bracket each year. If you conduct the conversion once you’re retired, your taxable rate will be lower.
However, Roth funds are subject to a five-year rule. If you convert 401(k) funds to a Roth you’ve already owned for five years or more, you can go ahead and use that money. But, if you must open a new Roth to make the conversion, you must wait five years before you can tap that account, or funds tapped will be subject to a 10% early withdrawal penalty.6
If you are considering a Roth conversion for any retirement account funds, remember that income tax rates are relatively low right now. If there are any changes in the near future, rates are more likely to go up than down. That’s a good reason to start a conversion now if you and your advisor believe that’s a good strategy for your situation, especially if you plan to roll over funds gradually throughout several years.7
Content prepared by Kara Stefan Communications.
1 Dayana Yochim and Andrea Coombes. NerdWallet. April 28, 2021.
“Roth IRA vs. Traditional IRA.” https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/investing/roth-or-traditional-ira-account. Accessed July 21, 2021.
2 Phil Lubinski. ThinkAdvisor. June 10, 2021. “6 Ways to Help Clients Avoid Medicare’s IRMAA Surcharges in Retirement.”
https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2021/06/10/6-ways-to-help-clients-avoid-medicares-irmaa-surcharges-in-retirement/. June 23, 2021.
3 T. Rowe Price. Summer 2021. “The Simple Move That Has Significant Advantages.” https://www.troweprice.com/content/dam/iinvestor/planning-and-research/Insights/investor-magazine.pdf. Accessed June 23, 2021.
4 Dayana Yochim and Andrea Coombes. NerdWallet. March 17, 2021. “Inherited IRA: How It Works & Distribution Rules for Beneficiaries.” https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/investing/roth-or-traditional-ira-account. Accessed July 21, 2021.
5 Charles Schwab. 2021. “2020-2021 Roth IRA Contribution Limits.” https://www.schwab.com/ira/roth-ira/contribution-limits. Accessed June 23, 2021.
6 Cathy Pareto. Investopedia. April 9, 2021. “Must-Know Rules for Converting a 401(k) to a Roth IRA.” https://www.investopedia.com/articles/retirement/08/convert-401k-roth.asp. Accessed June 23, 2021.
7 Sarah O’Brien. CNBC. May 20, 2021. “These strategies can reduce the taxes you will pay on retirement accounts.” https://www.cnbc.com/2021/05/20/these-plans-can-reduce-how-much-tax-you-will-pay-on-retirement-account.html. Accessed June 23, 2021.
Please remember that converting an employer plan account to a Roth IRA is a taxable event. Increased taxable income from the Roth IRA conversion may have several consequences, including (but not limited to) a need for additional tax withholding or estimated tax payments, the loss of certain tax deductions and credits, and higher taxes on Social Security benefits and higher Medicare premiums. Be sure to consult with a qualified tax advisor before making any decisions regarding your IRA. It is generally preferable that you have funds to pay the taxes due upon conversion from funds outside of your IRA. If you elect to take a distribution from your IRA to pay the conversion taxes, please keep in mind the potential consequences, such as an assessment of product surrender charges or additional IRS penalties for premature distributions. We are an independent firm helping individuals create retirement strategies using a variety of insurance and investment products to custom suit their needs and objectives. This material is intended to provide general information to help you understand basic financial planning strategies and should not be construed as financial or investment advice. All investments are subject to risk, including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values.
The information contained in this material is believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed; it is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions.
Evolution Disclosure:
Investment advisory services are offered through Evolution Wealth Management Inc., an investment advisor registered with the State of Florida. Registration does not imply any level of skill or training. Evolution Wealth Management’s unique CRD number is 307644. You can obtain a copy of Evolution Wealth Management’s firm brochure (Form ADV Part 2A) free of charge by visiting https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/307644. Evolution Wealth Management offers investment advisory services only where it is appropriately registered or exempt from registration and only after clients have entered into an investment advisory agreement confirming the terms of engagement and have been provided a copy of the firm’s ADV Part 2A. Insurance services provided by Evolution Retirement Services. Any guarantees mentioned are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company and may be subject to restrictions, limitations, or early withdrawal fees, which vary by the issuer. They do not refer, in any way to securities or investment advisory products. You should consider the charges, risks, expenses, and investment objectives carefully before entering a contract. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only and should not be construed as a solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect, either transactions in securities or the rendering of personalized investment advice. This material is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for tax, legal, accounting, or other financial advice. Evolution Wealth Management and Evolution Retirement Services do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal, and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction. Evolution Wealth Management and Evolution Retirement Services are affiliated entities.
Adam Bruno, Certified Financial Fiduciary® Founder & President
A former teacher, Adam has never stopped learning. He’s still passionate about educating, only now he achieves that by instructing clients on all aspects of their retirement and wealth management to help them formulate a personalized plan for what should be life’s most rewarding stage.
Adam grew up in Niagara Falls, New York, and in high school was a three-sport athlete, editor of the school newspaper and president of the drama club. He attended Niagara University on a scholarship and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in theater and English literature, later earning a master’s degree in secondary education. Adam relocated to Florida in 2006 and, after three years spent teaching in the Lee County School District, transitioned to the financial services industry in 2011.
Working for major players like MetLife, Gerber and Mutual of Omaha provided Adam with invaluable experience, but after teaching other advisors across the country different strategies to help their clients, he came to a realization: It was time to put his own system in place. With an aim to open a one-stop shop where individuals could receive holistic guidance and education on all aspects of financial planning, Adam founded Evolution Retirement Services in 2018. He’s since achieved designation as a Certified Financial Fiduciary® from the National Association of Certified Financial Fiduciaries.
Adam lives with his wife, Kelly-Ann, and has three children: Austin, Emeilia and Maverick. Still enthralled by the world of performing arts, he currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Arts Foundation at North Fort Myers Academy of the Arts. In his free time, Adam enjoys being active in his church, going to Disney with his family and golfing (though he openly admits he’s “not very good” at it).
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