Posts Tagged ‘retirement’

Your Pension Plan – Inflation Adjustments for 2012

Friday, December 2nd, 2011

For 2012, there are a few cost of living adjustments for pension plans and other retirement-related items. Check out what to expect in the new year….

  • The contribution limit for employees who participate in section 401(k), 403(b), or 457(b) plans, and the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan, increases to $17,000 in 2012, from $16,500 in prior years.
  • The catch-up contribution limit in those plans for those aged 50 and over remains unchanged, at $5,500.
  • IRA contributions and catch up limits remain unchanged for 2012 at $5,000 and $1,000 respectively.
  • The deduction for taxpayers making contributions to a traditional IRA is phased out for singles and heads of household who are active participants in an employer-sponsored retirement plan and have modified adjusted gross incomes (AGI) between $58,000 and $68,000, up from $56,000-$66,000 in 2011.
  • For married couples filing jointly, in which the spouse who makes the IRA contribution is an active participant in an employer-sponsored retirement plan, the income phase-out range is $92,000 to $112,000, up from $90,000 to $110,000. For an IRA contributor who is not an active participant in an employer-sponsored retirement plan and is married to someone who is an active participant, the deduction is phased out if the couple’s income is between $173,000 and $183,000 in 2012, up from $169,000 and $179,000 in 2011.
  • The AGI phase-out range for taxpayers making contributions to a Roth IRA is $173,000 to 183,000 for married couples filing jointly, up from $169,000 to $179,000 in 2011. For singles and heads of household, the income phase-out range is $110,000 to $125,000, up from $107,000 to $122,000. For a married individual filing a separate return who is an active participant in an employer-sponsored retirement plan, the phase-out range remains $0 to $10,000.
  • The AGI limit for the saver’s credit (also known as the retirement savings contributions credit) for low- and moderate-income workers is $57,500 for married couples filing jointly, up from $56,500 in 2011; $43,125 for heads of household, up from $42,375; and $28,750 for married individuals filing separately and for singles, up from $28,250.

 

 

 

A SIMPLE Retirement Plan for the Self-Employed

Saturday, September 3rd, 2011

Of all the retirement plans available to small business owners, the SIMPLE plan is the easiest to set up and the least expensive to manage.These plans are intended to encourage small business employers to offer retirement coverage to their employees. SIMPLE plans work well for small business owners who don’t want to spend time and high administration fees associated with more complex retirement plans.

SIMPLE plans really shine for self-employed business owners. Here’s why…

Self-employed business owners are able to contribute both as employee and employer, with both contributions made from self-employment earnings. (more…)

Planning for Retirement: Withdrawals

Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011

Are you thinking of retiring soon, or changing jobs? You may face a major financial decision: what to do about the funds in your retirement plan. 

Note: As you will see, the rules on retirement withdrawals are quite complex. They are offered here only for your general understanding. Please call us before taking withdrawals or making other major changes in your retirement plan.

(more…)

You Can Still Make a 2010 IRA Contribution

Tuesday, March 1st, 2011

If you haven’t contributed funds to an Individual Retirement Arrangement for tax year 2010, or if you’ve put in less than the maximum allowed, you still have time to do so. You can contribute to either a traditional or Roth IRA until the April due date for filing your tax return for 2010, not including extensions.Be sure to tell the IRA trustee that the contribution is for 2010. Otherwise, the trustee may report the contribution as being for 2011 when they get your funds. (more…)

How to Prepare for a Successful Retirement

Wednesday, December 8th, 2010

As you approach retirement, it’s vital that you pay attention to key financial questions. Here are some of the items you should check:

Health Insurance. Are you among the lucky few who will continue to be covered after retirement? If not, you’ll need to replace the coverage. If you will be eligible for Medicare, you may want to start checking up on “Medigap” coverage.

Tip: Before you retire, take care of any non-emergency medical, dental, or optical needs (if your employee plan coverage is broader than Medicare).

(more…)

A SIMPLE Retirement Plan for the Self-Employed

Thursday, September 2nd, 2010

Of all the retirement plans available to small business owners, the SIMPLE plan is the easiest to set up and the least expensive to manage.These plans are intended to encourage small business employers to offer retirement coverage to their employees. SIMPLE plans work well for small business owners who don’t want to spend time and high administration fees associated with more complex retirement plans. (more…)

Planning Retirement Withdrawals

Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010

Are you thinking of retiring soon, or changing jobs? You may face a major financial decision: what to do about the funds in your retirement plan. This article will discuss partial withdrawals and full withdrawals.

Note: As you will see, the rules on retirement withdrawals are quite complex. They are offered here only for your general understanding. Please call us before taking withdrawals or making other major changes in your retirement plan.

(more…)