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Running Low on Money? Congress Has Made it Easier for You to Tap Your Retirement Savings
Article Highlights:
- COVID-19 Tax Benefits
- Retirement Plan Withdrawals
- Waiver of 10% Early Withdrawal Penalty
- Retirement Plan Loans
- Roth IRAs
- Other Sources of Income
- Way to Reduce Payments
Normally, withdrawals from traditional IRAs and qualified plans such as 401(k)s, self-employed pension plans (SEPs), tax sheltered annuities (TSAs), etc., are taxable when withdrawn and subject to a 10% early withdrawal penalty if withdrawn before you turn age 59½.
For the rest of 2020, you will be able to tap those accounts for up to $100,000 and avoid the 10% penalty, although the distributions will still be taxable. To qualify, you, your spouse or a dependent must have been diagnosed with either SARS-CoV-2 or the COVID-19 virus or have been quarantined, lost your job, had your hours reduced or are unable to work due to lack of child care. To ease the taxes on these distributions, you can choose to have distributions taxed 1/3 in 2020, 2021 and 2022. Or, if your income is very low in 2020, it might be better to tax a distribution entirely in 2020. That is a decision that can be made when you file your 2020 tax return. You also have the option of paying the distribution back over a three-year period.
Another available option is taking a loan of up to $100,000 from a qualified plan (does not apply to IRAs). Congress has increased the maximum amount that can be borrowed from $50,000 to $100,000 through December 31, 2020. Taking a loan avoids both the 10% early distribution penalty and the income tax on the distribution. However, it will have to be paid back over five years.
If you have a Roth IRA, you may be able to tap it without any tax or penalty liability at all, since the contributions were made with after-tax money. Therefore, there are no taxes or penalties when distributed. Contributions are distributed first to the extent of your original contributions, and that portion of the distribution is tax-free and penalty-free. However, there is a caveat: if you have previously converted a traditional IRA into a Roth IRA, the converted funds must remain in the IRA for five years after the conversion in order to avoid the 10% early withdrawal penalty. The first and last year of the five-year period do not need to be full years. Luckily, the converted funds are distributed after the regular contributions. Of course, if you work your way down to the earnings, that portion of the distribution is taxable and subject to the 10% early withdrawal penalty if you are under the age of 59½.
Tapping your retirement funds is never a good idea unless there isn’t any other option. It is recommended that you tap retirement funds only as a last resort—if you must dip into these funds, limit the amount to what you actually need. You are not restricted to a single distribution, so you can take out funds as your need dictates. Look for other sources of funds, such as home equity loans, reverse mortgages, insurance cash value, family loans, unemployment compensation, selling unused assets, etc. If your business has been interrupted, you may qualify for an SBA loan.
Look for ways to limit your expenses. Many lenders are allowing loan payments to be deferred and tacked on to the end of the loan. Certain auto financing institutions and auto dealers are allowing payments to be deferred and waiving late fees. Some landlords are reducing rents during the crisis. In some regions, evictions have been suspended for a period of time.
If you need assistance or have questions about how all these law changes might apply to you, please call to schedule a tele-appointment.
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Offices in Flemington, NJ and Califon, NJ
Our Mission: At Prestige Accounting Services Group (previously Prestige Wealth Accounting Group), we are on a mission to redefine the tax experience for individuals and small businesses. With a focus on personalized service, strategic planning, and expert guidance, we aim to empower our clients to succeed financially with confidence and ease.
Expertise in Action: With a wealth of experience and a team of dedicated professionals, we specialize in individual and small business tax preparation. While we excel in all areas of taxation, our passion lies in serving the unique needs of small business owners in New Jersey. We understand that small business taxation requires specialized knowledge and attention to detail, which is why we go above and beyond to ensure our clients receive the guidance and support they deserve.
Tailored Solutions for Every Client: Whether you're a high-net-worth individual seeking comprehensive tax planning or a small business owner in need of accounting and bookkeeping assistance, we have the expertise to meet your needs. Our team takes the time to understand your specific situation and develop customized solutions that align with your goals and objectives.
Why Choose Us?: What sets us apart from other New Jersey tax firms is our commitment to excellence and innovation in the field of taxation. We don't just prepare tax returns; we provide strategic insights, proactive planning, and actionable advice to help our clients achieve their financial goals. With a team of two CPAs, an EA, and an ERO, we have the expertise and resources to deliver exceptional service and results.
Your Success is Our Priority: At Prestige Accounting Services Group (previously Prestige Wealth Accounting Group), we measure our success by the success of our clients. We are dedicated to building long-lasting relationships, providing unparalleled service, and helping our clients thrive in today's ever-changing tax landscape.
We can't wait for you to experience the Prestige Accounting Services Group (previously Prestige Wealth Accounting Group) difference.
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