Will My Roth IRA Conversion be Penalty-Free?
There are several situations in which a Roth Conversion could benefit your future tax situation. Whether you have lower income this year or want to take advantage of low tax rates, you will want to make sure you avoid any penalties. Let’s take a look:
Are you converting a Traditional IRA?
If your answer is “yes”, move on to the next question. If you are converting a SIMPLE IRA, the answer is a bit more complicated depending on how long you have had the Simple IRA. Check out our chart to learn more.
Are you expecting to take a distribution within 5 years of your conversion?
If you are far from retirement, then your answer to this will likely be “no”, then you can convert any amount. Remember that any conversion amount is taxed as ordinary income and could increase your Medicare Part B & D premiums. If you plan to take distributions within 5 years and are under 59.5, you may be subject to a penalty. If you are taking Required Minimum Distributions then you will have to take your RMD before any conversion.
Advantages of a Roth IRA
Roth IRA’s are particularly advantageous if there are changes (increases) in tax rates. Here are ways you could be subject to higher taxes in the future.
1. The Government raises tax rates.
2. One spouse passes away and now you are subject to single rates instead of married rates. When a spouse passes away, your expenses are not cut in half but the brackets are cut in half.
3. Your expenses dramatically increase because you are in an assisted living facility or a nursing home.
If you’ve made it this far, there is a good chance you can make a Roth IRA conversion penalty-free. Check out this flowchart to learn more.
If you would like to schedule a call to talk about the best strategy for converting a IRA to a Roth IRA, give us a call at 303-440-2906 or click here to schedule a time to speak with us.
Robert J. Pyle, CFP®, CFA is president of Diversified Asset Management, Inc. (DAMI). DAMI is licensed as an investment adviser with the State of Colorado Division of Securities, and its investment advisory representatives are licensed by the State of Colorado. DAMI will only transact business in other states to the extent DAMI has made the requisite notice filings or obtained the necessary licensing in such state. No follow up or individualized responses to persons in other jurisdictions that involve either rendering or attempting to render personalized investment advice for compensation will be made absent compliance with applicable legal requirements, or an applicable exemption or exclusion. It does not constitute investment or tax advice. To contact Robert, call 303-440-2906 or e-mail info@diversifiedassetmanagement.com.
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