Retirement is the ultimate goal for most of us. We dream of leaving work behind for relaxing days, hobbies, and spending time with loved ones.
But there’s a side to retirement that’s often overlooked: taxes. Understanding taxes is crucial whether you’re saving for retirement, nearing those golden years, or already there.
If you’re still saving for retirement, you might be trying to figure out how much money you’ll need in retirement. But have you considered how taxes can impact your retirement budget? Different retirement plans come with different tax burdens—and without a good tax plan, you might end up with less than you thought.
Believe it or not, the choices you make now can affect your taxes in retirement.
We want to help you keep more of your money and enjoy the retirement of your dreams. So, let’s explore various sources of retirement income, how they’re taxed, and strategies for navigating the complex world of retirement taxation.
How Is Retirement Income Taxed?
Understanding how different types of retirement income are taxed can help you plan better. In fact, falling into the Tax Trap is one of our top retirement mistakes to avoid. Learning more about taxes in retirement can help you decide when and how to withdraw from your accounts. And that kind of strategic planning can mean more money in your pocket in retirement.
Let’s break down the different types of retirement income and how they’re taxed.
Social Security Benefits
Social Security is a vital component of retirement for many Americans. After years of contributing to the system through payroll taxes, retirees anticipate receiving these benefits as a steady income stream. However, there’s a nuance that often catches retirees off-guard: taxation.
While it’s a common misconception that Social Security benefits are always tax-free, the reality is a bit more complex. The taxation of these benefits is contingent on your “combined income.” This term encompasses your adjusted gross income, non-taxable interest, and half of your Social Security benefits.
If your combined income surpasses a limit ($25,000 in 2023), a portion of your Social Security benefits becomes taxable. For individuals with a notably high combined income, this could mean paying taxes on up to 85% of their benefits.
401(k) Plans
The 401(k) plan has become a staple in retirement planning for many American workers. Offered by many employers, it allows employees to set aside a pre-tax portion of their paycheck into a retirement account. This means the money you contribute to a 401(k) reduces your taxable income for that year, providing immediate tax savings.
However, there’s a trade-off. While you benefit from these tax savings during your working years, the situation flips in retirement. When you start withdrawing from your 401(k) in retirement, the distributions are treated as regular income, and thus, they are subject to taxation. This is because the government hasn’t yet collected income tax on this money.
For example, if you’re in the 22% tax bracket in retirement and you withdraw $10,000 from your 401(k), you’d owe $2,200 in taxes on that distribution.
It’s also worth noting that there are rules about when you can start taking money out without penalties. The minimum withdrawal age for a 401(k) is 59½. This is when you can start withdrawals without incurring early withdrawal penalties. However, if you take money out before this age, you will not only pay taxes on the withdrawal but also a 10% penalty.
IRAs (Individual Retirement Accounts)
Individual Retirement Accounts, commonly known as IRAs, are versatile tools designed to help Americans save for retirement. Unlike 401(k) plans, which are often tied to an employer, IRAs are opened by individuals, offering more flexibility in terms of investment choices and providers.
There are two primary types of IRAs: Traditional and Roth, each with its unique tax characteristics.
Traditional IRA: Like a 401(k), contributions to a traditional IRA are pre-tax. This can lower your tax burden the year you make the contribution, but withdrawals in retirement are taxed as regular income.
Roth IRA: The Roth IRA is different. Contributions to a Roth IRA are made with after-tax dollars, meaning you don’t get a tax break when you put money in. However, the advantage comes in retirement. Qualified withdrawals from a Roth IRA are completely tax-free. This can be a significant benefit, especially if you expect to be in a higher tax bracket in retirement or if you believe tax rates will rise in the future.
Other Investments
Beyond traditional retirement accounts, many individuals diversify their portfolios with stocks, bonds, or real estate investments. These assets can be valuable sources of income during retirement, but they come with their own tax implications.
Stocks: When you sell stocks that have appreciated in value, you’re subject to capital gains tax. The rate you pay depends on how long you’ve held the stock. If you’ve owned it for over a year, it’s considered a long-term capital gain, which typically has a lower tax rate than short-term gains.
Bonds: Interest income from bonds is usually taxed at your ordinary income tax rate. However, there are exceptions. For instance, interest from municipal bonds is often tax-free at the federal level—but capital gains from the investment are taxable.
Real Estate: Owning property can provide rental income, which is taxable. However, it’s a very nuanced investment, with many different tax burdens and deductions depending on what kind of property you own, how you maintain it, where it’s located, and more. Additionally, when you sell a property at a profit, you may owe capital gains tax, though exclusions are available for primary residences.
RMDs: An Overview
As you approach retirement, you must be aware of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). These are mandatory withdrawals that you must take from your tax-deferred retirement accounts, like traditional IRAs and 401(k)s, starting at age 72.
The amount you must withdraw each year is based on a formula that considers your account balance and life expectancy. Failing to take out the correct amount can result in a hefty tax penalty, making it crucial to plan these distributions carefully.
RMDs can impact your tax situation in retirement. Large RMDs can push you into a higher tax bracket, increasing your tax liability. Therefore, understanding and strategizing around RMDs is critical to tax-efficient retirement planning.
Crafting a Tax-Efficient Retirement Strategy
With a grasp on how different retirement incomes are taxed, you’re in a prime position to strategize for a tax-efficient retirement. The goal is to maximize your income while minimizing taxes, ensuring you have a comfortable and financially secure retirement. By proactively planning and using the knowledge you’ve gained, you can navigate the complexities of retirement taxation.
Here are some popular strategies for turning this knowledge into a tax-efficient retirement:
Diversify Income Sources
In the realm of retirement tax planning, diversification isn’t just about spreading your investments across different asset classes—it’s also about diversifying your income sources. You gain flexibility by having a mix of tax-free, tax-deferred, and taxable accounts.
By balancing where your income comes from each year, you can strategically navigate your tax liability, ensuring you make the most of your retirement savings—as we’re about to see.
Strategic Withdrawals
Imagine entering retirement with three main pots of money: a savings account, a traditional IRA, and a Roth IRA. Each has its tax implications.
First, you dip into your savings account. This money has already faced taxes when you earned it, so there’s no additional tax hit now. Using these funds first means you’re not adding to your taxable income for the year. Keep in mind that interest earned in savings accounts is taxable whether you withdraw the money, transfer it, or keep it in your account.
Next, you turn to your 401(k). Withdrawals from this account are taxed as regular income. If you were to pull large sums from this account right away, it could push you into a higher tax bracket, meaning a heftier tax bill. By using your savings first and then gradually taking from your 401(k), you can manage your yearly income and potentially stay in a lower tax bracket. Waiting to dip into your tax-deferred accounts also helps ensure you won’t need to withdraw more than the required minimum.
Lastly, the Roth IRA is your safety net. You’ve already paid taxes on the money you contributed to this account. So, when you make withdrawals in retirement, they’re tax-free. If you need more money in a particular year, perhaps for a medical emergency or a dream vacation, you can pull from your Roth accounts without worrying about the tax implications.
This strategy of sequencing withdrawals can help you manage your tax bill each year, ensuring you get the most out of your hard-earned savings.
Roth Conversions
Roth conversions involve moving funds from a 401(k) or traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. While this means paying taxes on the converted amount now, it’s a strategic move for those expecting to be in a higher tax bracket in retirement. You’re paying taxes now to avoid paying them in retirement. And, by converting, you’re betting that your current tax rate is more favorable than future rates.
Additionally, Roth IRAs don’t have Required Minimum Distributions, offering more flexibility in managing retirement funds. For many, the upfront tax cost of a Roth Conversion is outweighed by its long-term tax advantages.
Capital Gains Management
Diversifying retirement savings often means investing in assets like stocks or real estate. When selling these investments at a profit, you’ll encounter capital gains. To mitigate the tax impact, consider strategies like tax-loss harvesting—offsetting gains with losses. Assets held over a year typically benefit from lower tax rates.
Also, always factor in state and local tax implications for capital gains from real estate, as they can influence your final tax bill.
Stay Informed
Tax laws and financial regulations are constantly evolving. As you journey through retirement, it’s crucial to stay updated. Whether through consultations with financial experts or keeping up with financial news, being informed allows you to adjust your strategy proactively.
By staying current, you ensure your retirement approach remains effective and tax-efficient.
