Q. I am about 70 1/2 years old soon. I heard there would be mandatory withdrawal from my IRA account and I have to pay income tax on the withdrawal. Is there any way I can minimize the tax on such withdrawals?
A. There is a required minimum distribution (RMD) for traditional IRA and 401(k) savings, there is no such requirement on Roth IRA. Once you turn 70 1/2, you need to meet the RMD requirement before 4/1 of the next year, otherwise there will be penalty.
A little trick to minimize the tax impact is to start withdrawal before the end of the year you turn 70 1/2. Because if you make the withdrawal between Jan 1st and Apr 1st of the next year, in addition to the first RMD, you are also required to make the second RMD before the end of the next year, which will drive up your taxable income for the next year!
If you plan to work after age 70 1/2 (hope not!), you can save the withdrawal to the 401(k) account provided by your employer, in this way, you can defer the tax payment. Note this strategy only works for people who have high tax rate and don't need the IRA withdrawal money at the time.
A. There is a required minimum distribution (RMD) for traditional IRA and 401(k) savings, there is no such requirement on Roth IRA. Once you turn 70 1/2, you need to meet the RMD requirement before 4/1 of the next year, otherwise there will be penalty.
A little trick to minimize the tax impact is to start withdrawal before the end of the year you turn 70 1/2. Because if you make the withdrawal between Jan 1st and Apr 1st of the next year, in addition to the first RMD, you are also required to make the second RMD before the end of the next year, which will drive up your taxable income for the next year!
If you plan to work after age 70 1/2 (hope not!), you can save the withdrawal to the 401(k) account provided by your employer, in this way, you can defer the tax payment. Note this strategy only works for people who have high tax rate and don't need the IRA withdrawal money at the time.
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