Articles — Ascensus

Forms 1099-R and 5498: Small Changes, Big Implications for 2026 Reporting

Here are some of the changes for 2026 reporting we feel you should know about if you work with IRAs and employer-sponsored retirement plans.

IRAAscensusJuly 16, 2026Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, IRA, IRS, Tax, Reporting, Form 1099-R, Form 5498

2027 HSA Limits Released

The Internal Revenue Service has issued Revenue Procedure 2026-24, providing inflation-adjusted amounts for health savings accounts (HSAs) for calendar year 2027.

HSAAscensusJuly 16, 2026HSA, HSAs, Contributions, Contribution

The Rollover Trap: Why HSA Rollovers Aren’t IRA Rollovers

You may know the IRA rollover rules so well you can recite them in your sleep. But if you handle HSAs as well, don’t get tripped up on an important distinction between HSA and IRA rollovers.

HSA, IRAAscensusJuly 16, 2026HSA, HSAs, Rollover, IRA

Can Divorce Impact Beneficiary Status?

A number of states—about half—have laws that automatically revoke an existing IRA spouse beneficiary designation upon divorce. This can prevent post-death IRA assets from being inherited by someone other than who the IRA owner would intentionally choose.

IRA, expertAscensusJuly 16, 2026IRA, Distribution

What’s This I Hear About Solo 401(k) Plans?

A so-called “solo(k)” is like every other 401(k) in virtually all respects. Where it may differ from group 401(k) plans is in the simplicity of its plan document, and in plan administration.

Employer Plan, expertAscensusJuly 16, 2026401(k) Plan, DOL, Contribution

SECURE Legislation Enhances Tax Benefits for Small Employers

For many businesses, employee perks like retirement benefits may be desirable, but are secondary to maintaining everyday operations and ensuring profitability. This is especially true for small employers.

HSAs: The Retirement Savings Opportunity Many Clients Are Overlooking

Clients who understand how to strategically use an HSA can create a powerful source of tax-advantaged savings for future healthcare expenses, while potentially improving their overall retirement readiness at the same time.

HSAAscensusMay 21, 2026HSA, HSAs, Business Insights

RMDs in Real Life: How to Explain IRA Required Minimum Distributions to Your Clients

RMDs are simply the government’s way of saying you’ve deferred taxes long enough, and it’s time to recognize these assets as income.

IRA, expertAscensusMay 21, 2026IRA, Traditional IRA, Required Minimum Distributions

A Not So Well-Known Penalty Tax Exception

Those who leave employment in a year in which they are—or will be—age 55 or older may take distributions from their employer’s retirement plan without being subject to the 10 percent penalty tax.

IRS Proposes Rules Governing Trump Accounts, Including $1,000 Federal Pilot Contributions

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued two coordinated proposed regulations that begin to define how Trump accounts will operate.

IRA, Employer PlanAscensusMay 21, 2026IRA, Contributions

Celebrating 20 Years of Wrangle: Two Decades of Expertise, Partnership, and Progress

On March 15, 2026, Wrangle celebrates a meaningful milestone: 20 years in business. This anniversary marks not just longevity, but two decades of sustained focus on helping brokers, plan sponsors, and partners navigate the complex and ever-revolving world of ERISA compliance with confidence and clarity.

Employer PlanAscensusMarch 19, 2026Business Insights, Plan Establishment

Choosing the Right Account: Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, or HSA

While your financial organization might not offer customized advice, it’s essential to understand the basics of retirement savings and tax-advantaged accounts. By sharing general guidance about the pros and cons of popular savings accounts, you can help clients make smarter decisions about their savings options.

HSA, IRAAscensusMarch 19, 2026IRA, Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, HSA, Contributions

Open IRAs with Confidence

Let’s be honest, no one gets excited about filling out forms. But when it comes to IRAs, the documents matter so much more than people realize.

IRAAscensusMarch 19, 2026IRA, Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, Documents & Amendments

Understanding the New Roth Catch-Up Contribution Requirement

SECURE 2.0 included a provision that requires most employees with annual income of $145,000 or more—indexed—to make their catch-up salary deferral contributions as Roth contributions. This was initially intended to take effect in 2024, but was temporarily delayed to 2026.

Uncomplicating the Complicated: HSA Contributions

Let’s break down some of the most common—and confusing—HSA questions that financial organizations and their clients may encounter.

expertAscensusMarch 19, 2026HSA, Contributions

New Trump Accounts Will Soon Expand Saving Options

July 4, 2026, is the first day on which one can contribute to Trump Accounts. Created by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) legislation in 2025, Trump Accounts are intended to jump-start savings for young people under age 18.

IRAAscensusFebruary 19, 2026IRA, IRS, Education, Contribution, Trump

IRS Provides More Time to Amend IRA Documents for SECURE 2.0

If you’ve been thinking about the impending IRA amendment deadline, we have some news.

IRAAscensusFebruary 19, 2026Documents & Amendments, IRS, IRA, SIMPLE IRA Plan

What is the Mega Backdoor Roth Strategy, Anyway?

While most financial organizations are familiar with Roth IRA conversions, the mega backdoor Roth strategy in certain employer plans has emerged as a technique for supercharging tax-free retirement savings when plan design and nondiscrimination testing allows.

Employer Plan, IRAAscensusFebruary 19, 2026Roth IRA, 401(k) Plan, 403(b) Plan, Traditional IRA, Rollover, Conversion