Not all birthdays are about a driver’s license, getting to vote or toasting with a glass of wine. Some are important to your comfort in retirement, too. No matter who you are, the years leading up to and during retirement contain a number of key financial planning opportunities worth capitalizing on. You and your spouse may hit these dates at different times, so be sure to coordinate before making any decisions.
50 – This birthday brings catch-up provision eligibility in your IRA and certain employer-sponsored plans. Annual traditional or Roth IRA contribution limits increase from $6,000 to $7,000 for 2021. 401(k) and 403(b) salary deferral limits increase from $19,500 to $26,000. Plus, SIMPLE IRA participants can defer an additional $3,000 of salary.
55 – Penalty-free, separation-from-service withdrawals from 401(k)s are now available to you. Health Savings Account (HSA) participants are also allowed a “catch-up” contribution: For single individuals, annual contribution limits increase from $3,600 to $4,600. For families, the limit increases from $7,200 to $8,200.
59½ – Withdrawals from most retirement accounts without an additional 10% tax penalty are now possible. Additionally, those who are still working and looking to diversify by rolling funds from their qualified plan to an IRA may now be able to do so.
60 – Those who have lost a spouse are eligible to collect Social Security survivor’s benefits, assuming the deceased was eligible and the survivor did not remarry.
62 – Social Security eligibility begins, but with reduced benefits. Confer with your advisor to best maximize household benefits.
65 – Medicare eligibility begins. Those not collecting Social Security should enroll in Part A three months prior to their 65th birthday to avoid a gap in health insurance coverage. Unless you’re covered by an employer-sponsored health plan, enroll in Medicare Part B to avoid future penalties.
66-67 – Full retirement age for Social Security (depending on birth year) provides eligibility for full retirement benefits. Social Security recommends applying for benefits three months prior to the month you would like them to start.
70 – Maximum Social Security benefits are provided at this age. Don’t wait any longer to receive them.
72 – The year you turn 72 is referred to as your “first distribution year” and required minimum distributions (RMDs) from qualified accounts must begin. If you turned age 70½ before January 1, 2020, the RMD age is 70 1/2. There is a 50% penalty for missed RMDs.
Questions? Contact us!
Sources: irs.gov, hsacenter.com
Withdrawals from tax-deferred accounts may be subject to income taxes, and prior to age 59½ a 10% federal penalty tax may apply. Diversification does not guarantee a profit nor protect against loss. This article is general in nature and provided for informational purposes only. Raymond James and your Raymond James financial advisor do not provide tax or legal advice. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional.
Article provided by Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc.
This information, developed by an independent third party, has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. This information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. This information is not intended as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security referred to herein. Investments mentioned may not be suitable for all investors. The material is general in nature. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Raymond James Financial Services,Inc. does not provide advice on tax, legal or mortgage issues. These matters should be discussed with the appropriate professional.
M18-1997686 Exp 1/17/2021
