As we roll into 2026, it’s a good time to revisit what really matters when contributing to a Traditional IRA and what has changed. Whether you’re helping clients plan or just thinking about your own retirement roadmap, these are the key rules to keep in mind.
Read MoreA distribution made by an IRA owner who is totally and permanently disabled is not subject to the 10 percent early distribution penalty tax.
Read MoreLong-term care insurance is purchased by individuals who anticipate future expenses for long-term care, either home-based, or provided in a licensed nursing facility. As the U.S. population ages, the probability that such care may be needed is increasing, as is its cost.
Read MoreOne of the most misunderstood parts of beneficiary designations is the difference between primary and contingent beneficiaries.
Read MoreThe simplified employee pension, or SEP, is a retirement plan that—like the Energizer bunny of TV commercial fame—just “keeps going and going and going.” That’s because the retirement saving niche SEPs have occupied since their creation by the Revenue Act of 1978 remains a substantial one.
Read MoreJanuary is a hectic tax reporting month for many financial organizations. In addition to providing quarterly or year-end statements, financial organizations must provide required minimum distribution (RMD) statements to certain Traditional and SIMPLE IRA owners by January 31. If you haven’t already, now is the perfect time for you and your team to start preparing for the busy month ahead.
Read MoreFinancial organizations field a lot of IRA questions from clients, and many of the same ones seem to come up repeatedly. Here are some common IRA contribution questions you’re likely hearing at your branch office, over the phone, or in your inbox.
Read MoreFor over two decades now, plan participants have been allowed to make designated Roth account contributions to 401(k) plans and 403(b) plans. Governmental 457(b) plans and the federal Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) have allowed this option since 2011. Since that time, many participants have been able to build up their designated Roth account balances. As plan participants approach retirement age, they may be unsure about their next steps and turn to you for guidance.
Read MoreThe IRS has issued Notice 2025-67 on November 13, 2025, which contains the 2026 cost-of-living increases for qualified retirement plan dollar limitations on benefits and contributions under the Internal Revenue Code (IRC).
Read MoreThere are circumstances when the actual order of death cannot be positively determined. Why does this matter? The order of death may determine whether an IRA or retirement plan account becomes the property of a contingent beneficiary, versus a primary beneficiary’s estate. Sometimes the financial stakes can be quite high.
Read MoreThe rules surrounding Roth IRAs can be complex, and somewhat confusing to the average taxpayer. Let’s clear up some of the common misconceptions surrounding Roth IRAs.
Read MoreAs 2025 draws to a close, here are some RMD scenarios you may encounter at your financial organization.
Read MoreAs retirement plan regulations continue to evolve, it is essential that employers and plan administrators maintain careful attention to key deadlines and new legislative mandates. Particular attention should be paid to the maintenance of plan documents, as these serve as the foundation for plan administration and compliance.
Read MoreHealth savings accounts (HSAs) have steadily grown in popularity over the past two decades, but data shows they’ve entered a new era. HSAs are no longer just about paying for today’s doctor visit. For financial organizations, HSAs represent both a client service opportunity and a business growth strategy that’s increasingly too significant to overlook.
Read MoreWhen it comes to saving for retirement, most people understand the basics. They set up an IRA, begin making contributions, and let the balance grow. The stumbling block tends to happen later, when it’s time to move those funds. That’s when your clients hear terms like “transfer” and “rollover,” and may end up doing the exact opposite of what they should.
Read MoreThe Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) 2.0 Act and Notice 2024-77 provide the latest official guidance on handling inadvertent benefit overpayments (IBOs). This guidance is crucial for plan sponsors to ensure compliance and avoid disqualification of their plans.
Read MoreThe backdoor Roth contribution works especially well if your client doesn’t have any other pretax assets in any Traditional (including those holding SEP assets) or SIMPLE IRAs.
Read MoreThe Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently released final regulations that provide insight on how to administer the catch-up contribution requirements under the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 (SECURE 2.0).
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