10 Tax Topics Every Retiree Should Know About
Retirement can bring many changes to your life. But, unfortunately, one thing doesn’t change: You will still pay taxes.
The good news: The better understanding you have of what to expect with taxes in retirement, the better your chances of reducing your tax bill. I am not a CPA, so I don’t give tax advice.
But I can share with you some tax topics that you should ask about the next time you meet with your tax planner or CPA, so that the two of you can discuss strategies for keeping what you owe Uncle Sam to a minimum.
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Here are the top 10 tax topics retirees should know about:
1. RMDs
If the money you’ve saved for retirement is in tax-deferred accounts, you eventually will be subject to required minimum distributions (RMDs). An RMD is an amount you must withdraw from your account each year, whether you want to or not. Keep in mind: You pay taxes on that amount.
If you fail to meet the RMD, you can face a 25% penalty, so it’s important to know when your RMD kicks in. The age used to be 72, but now for those born between 1951 and 1959, the RMD starting age is 73. For those born in 1960 and later, the age is 75.
2. Social Security benefits
Sometimes people look surprised when I tell them that, depending on their income, Social Security can be taxed. The Social Security Administration reports that about 40% of people who get Social Security must pay taxes on their benefits.
A married couple filing jointly could pay income tax on up to 50% of their benefits if their income is between $32,000 and $44,000. If their income is more than $44,000, up to 85% of their benefits may be taxable.
3. Healthcare costs
One of the largest expenses retirees incur is healthcare. In some cases, those expenses are tax deductible, so be sure you understand the rules for which medical expenses can be deducted.
4. Tax strategies for retirement income
When you have multiple retirement accounts, it’s important to have a tax-efficient plan for making withdrawals. Typically, you want to draw from taxable accounts first, then tax-deferred accounts (such as a traditional IRA or 401(k)), then, finally, tax-free accounts, such as a Roth IRA.
5. State income taxes
If you plan to move in retirement, one factor to consider when choosing your new home is state income taxes. Most states have an income tax, but a few don’t.
For example, California’s tax has nine brackets ranging from 1% to 12.3%. Florida, in contrast, has no state income tax.
6. Tax credits and deductions
Make sure you take advantage of any tax credits or deductions coming to you. When you are over 65, the standard deduction is increased on your income taxes, so be sure to check the correct box.
Additionally, there is a tax credit for older people or the disabled, which is available to those aged 65 and older or who are permanently disabled. There are income limits on that credit, though.
7. Estate taxes
Understand the tax implications related to passing on wealth to your heirs. You want to do this in the most tax-efficient way.
Most people aren’t affected by estate taxes because in 2025 the first $13.99 million is exempt. But that amount could be drastically reduced if the 2017 tax cuts, set to expire at the end of 2025, are not extended.
8. Changing tax laws
You may have noticed by now that tax laws aren’t static. Lawmakers often change them. The potential big change coming soon is the previously mentioned sunset of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
Be sure to work with your CPA to make sure you are aware of any changes that affect you.
9. Taxation on investments
Not all investments are taxed the same. If you make a withdrawal from an IRA, that money is taxed as ordinary income. If you sell stock or real estate, your profit is taxed based on the lower capital gains tax rates.
Roth IRA withdrawals aren’t taxed at all (as long as you are 59½ or older and have had the account for at least five years).
It’s important to be aware of all this when you are deciding where to withdraw money.
10. 529 plans for education
Many retirees want to help pay for their grandchildren’s education costs and do so by contributing to a 529 plan specifically earmarked for education. There are limits on how much you can contribute, though, so be aware of that.
Otherwise, you could be subject to the gift tax if you go over the limit. Worth noting: One recent rule change allows the beneficiary of the 529 to roll over unused funds into a Roth IRA without penalty.
As you can see, the more you know about taxes, the better you can plan for how to get the most out of your money in retirement.
But always check with your CPA or other tax professional to make sure you are paying the least amount possible while still staying within the rules.
The more you can keep in your pocket, the better your retirement will be.
Ronnie Blair contributed to this article.
The appearances in Kiplinger were obtained through a PR program. The columnist received assistance from a public relations firm in preparing this piece for submission to Kiplinger.com. Kiplinger was not compensated in any way.
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