Who doesn’t aspire for peace of mind during the sunset years? Well, everyone does! We all
know that to have a good retirement, you must start saving early in life. Bob and Devin know
that saving for retirement will not only help them financially for the future but will also direct
them towards helping themselves this year too. Disciplined savers will only get closer toward
their retirement dream. So, this week let’s discuss the Retirement Savings programs that
encourage taxpayers to save for the future.

You can boost your retirement savings even more this year, thanks to the higher limits on some
of the most popular savings’ strategies. Stretch your budget to take maximum advantage of these
new limits, especially as studies show most of us save way too little.

Here are some retirement savings plans that are available:

You can defer (save) into your 401k. The deferral or savings also applies to Tax Sheltered
Annuities (TSA’s) that are available to teachers, and some government workers. The deferral
(savings) limit for Simple (Individual Retirement Accounts) IRA’s is a different amount from
the other IRA plans.

Catch up contributions (the extra savings that allow taxpayers to save even more) for those of
age 50 and over are available for most retirement plans.

The limit of both retirement savings accounts, and catch-up amounts now change annually,
adjusted for inflation. You can find the amounts allowed at www.irs.gov.

There is both a Traditional IRA and ROTH IRA, in addition to other retirement savings
plans. The limits for both Roth and Traditional IRAs can be found by going to www.IRS.gov
or asking your tax professional. Catch up contributions allowed for those 50 and older.

Here are some tips to maximize your retirement savings:

1. Contribute enough to at least obtain your employer’s match in a retirement plan.

2. Defer as much income as you can each month. Try to max out the upfront contribution by
giving you bigger take-home pay later. If you reach the age of 50 during the year, remember
to factor in your catch-up contribution for that year as you will be allowed to make extra
contributions.

3. Contribute to an IRA as early in the year as possible to maximize savings.

4. You might be entitled to a Retirement Savings Credit if you contribute to a Retirement
Savings Plan. Your tax preparer can help you with that determination. This could lead you to
save thousands in taxes.

5. Be sure to contribute to some type of Retirement plan each year to plan for retirement. There
are many types of plans, so be sure to speak to your tax professional to see which one or ones
you are eligible for (401K, Solo 401K, SEP-IRA, Simple-IRA, IRS code section 403B (Tax
Sheltered Annuity-TSA), IRS code section 457 plans (Deferred Compensation plan), Federal
TSP plan (Thrift Savings Plan), Traditional IRA and ROTH IRA.

Making IRA Contributions

If you made IRA contributions or you’re thinking of making them, you may have questions
about IRAs and your taxes. Here are some important tips about saving for retirement using an IRA:

1. There is no age limit to contribute to an IRA.

2. You must have taxable compensation to contribute to an IRA. This includes income from
wages and salaries and net self-employment income. It also includes tips, commissions,
bonuses and alimony. If you’re married and file a joint return, generally only one spouse
needs to have compensation.

3. You can contribute to an IRA at any time during the year. To count for this year, you must
make all contributions by the due date of your tax return. This does NOT include extensions.
That means you usually must contribute by April 15th. If you contribute between Jan. 1 and
April 15, make sure your plan sponsor applies it to the right year.

4. For example, the more you can contribute to your IRA for 2023 the smaller of either your
taxable compensation for the year or $6,500. If you were age 50 or older at the end of 2023,
the maximum you can contribute increases to $7,500.

5. You normally won’t pay income tax on funds in your traditional IRA until you start taking
distributions from it. Qualified distributions from a Roth IRA are tax-free.

6. You may be able to deduct some or all your contributions to your traditional IRA. See your
tax professional’s instructions to figure the amount that you can deduct. Unlike a traditional
IRA, you can’t deduct contributions to a Roth IRA.

7. If you contribute to an IRA, you may also qualify for the Saver’s Credit. This tax Credit can
reduce your taxes by thousands of dollars. Use Form 8880, Credit for Qualified Retirement
Savings Contributions, to claim the credit.

Inheriting Retirement Accounts (2020 and later)

The new Setting Every Community up for Retirement Enhancement Act (SECURE) changes the
way some people will inherit retirement accounts. Before the SECURE Act was passed and
signed into law, Dec 29, 2019, you were able to inherit retirement accounts and stretch the
amount of time you took to receive the money, so you could pay less taxes over time.

NOW, with the new law, that strategy is much reduced for many people who inherit retirement
accounts. New rules require that inherited retirement accounts must be completely
distributed to heirs within 10 years of inheriting them! This means no more stretching out the
payments and the resulting taxes from the extra income.

There are some exceptions to this, such as:
Inherited accounts prior to 2020
Spouses
Minor Children
Disabled or chronically ill beneficiaries.
Heirs not more than 10 years younger than the deceased

Here are some points to remember when trying to save for retirement, and maybe even
reduce your taxes:

401K, 403B (TSA), 457 (Deferred Compensation), Thrift Savings Plans (TSP) contribution
plans.

Simple IRA and SEP IRA contribution plans.

Catch up for Age 50 and older plans.

Contribute enough to at least obtain your employer’s match. (This always gives you free
money)

Consider the Retirement Saver’s Credit. (Ask your tax professional if you qualify for a
saver’s credit to reduce your taxes)

Find the Annual limits of the retirement savings accounts AND the Catch-Up amounts from
your tax professional.

The SECURE act changes how inherited retirement accounts are distributed.

Call today, don’t delay! See how this affects you. We can be reached at 602-264-9331 and on all social media under azmoneyguy.

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