News Archive

"The extended deadline applies to IRAs under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 408(a), (b) and (h) as well as Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) arrangements and Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE) IRAs. It covers all amendments -- required or discretionary -- related to these laws and any associated regulations."  MORE >>

"IRS says [in Notice 2026-9] that it extended the deadline because it and the Treasury Department are still developing model language that may be IRA trustees, custodians, and issuers may use to amend an IRA for compliance with the SECURE 2.0 Act."  MORE >>

"This notice provides guidance relating to amendments under section 501 of ... the SECURE 2.0 Act ... for an individual retirement arrangement (IRAs) under section 408(a), (b), or (h) of the Internal Revenue Code, an employer's SEP arrangement under section 408(k), and an employer's SIMPLE IRA plan under section 408(p). This notice provides that the Department of the Treasury and the [IRS] have extended the deadline to make certain amendments for IRAs, SEP arrangements, and SIMPLE IRA plans to December 31, 2027."  MORE >>

71 pages; Jan. 21, 2026. "Reminders: [1] Excise tax relief for certain 2024 required minimum distributions (RMDs).... [2] Income on corrective distributions of excess contributions.... [3] Modification of required distribution rules for designated beneficiaries.... [4] Simplified employee pension (SEP) and SIMPLE plans.... [5] Deemed IRAs.... [6] Statement of required minimum distribution (RMD).... [7] IRA interest.... [8] Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT)."  MORE >>

"Successor beneficiaries (the beneficiary of a beneficiary) do NOT get to use any of their own personal information or status to dictate the payout structure of an inherited IRA. It does NOT matter who the successor beneficiary is or what the successor's relationship to the first beneficiary is.... The successor simply 'steps into the shoes' of the previous beneficiary and follows the exact same payout program that applied to the original Roth IRA beneficiary, with one exception[.]"  MORE >>

"The number of individuals making QCDs might be affected by recent tax law changes. The FY2025 budget reconciliation act (PL 119-21) expanded and made permanent the standard deduction included in the 2017 tax law (PL 115-97). A higher standard deduction might reduce the tax incentive for individuals to make charitable donations." [IF11377, updated Jan. 15, 2026]  MORE >>

62 pages; Jan. 15, 2026. "What's New for 2025: [1] IRA contribution limit for 2025.... [2] Trump account and new Form 4547.... [3] Modified AGI limit for traditional IRA contributions.... [4] Modified AGI limit for Roth IRA contributions.... What's New for 2026: [1] IRA contribution limit increased for 2026.... [2] Modified AGI limit for traditional IRA contributions increased.... [3] Modified AGI limit for Roth IRA contributions increased. "  MORE >>

"[T]he maximum annual elective deferral cap of $20,000 applicable to a Puerto Rico resident employee participating in a dual qualified retirement plan is increased to $22,000 for 2025 and $22,500 for 2026.... Puerto Rico employees participating in a retirement plan qualified only under the PRIRC continue to be subject to the annual elective deferrals limit of $15,000[.]"  MORE >>

Dec. 10, 2025. "What's New: [1] Definitions for IRAs.... [2] Clarification on nondeductible contributions.... [3] References to 2025 Form 8915-F.... [4] Modified adjusted gross income (AGI) limit for traditional IRA contributions increased.... [5] Modified AGI limit for Roth IRA contributions increased." [Also available: 2025 IRS Form 8606: Nondeductible IRAs]  MORE >>

Dec. 10, 2025. "What's New: [1] Definitions for IRAs.... [2] Clarification on nondeductible contributions.... [3] References to 2025 Form 8915-F.... [4] Modified adjusted gross income (AGI) limit for traditional IRA contributions increased.... [5] Modified AGI limit for Roth IRA contributions increased. " [Also available:  2025 IRS Form 8606: Nondeductible IRAs]  MORE >>

"This report provides [IRS] data on contributions to IRAs in 2022. Congress has an interest in contribution data because tax expenditures for retirement plans (estimated to be $35.1 billion for IRAs and $152.2 billion for DC plans in FY2025) are one of the largest categories of revenue losses attributable to provisions in the tax code." [R48051 updated Dec. 3, 2025]  MORE >>

"Made a mistake? The IRS might be more lenient if you relied on the right professional.... IRS says: you cannot claim advisor error when you are the administrator.... A favorable PLR might come down to who administers the account.... Be careful when relying on articles, even from industry experts.... Can you rely on artificial intelligence for IRA guidance? ... IRA rules are complex, and solutions often depend on facts unique to each case."  MORE >>

2-page chart includes 2026 limits for qualified retirement plans, IRAs, PBGC, Social Security, and health and fringe benefit plans, along with corresponding limits for 2025 and 2024.  MORE >>

"Schwab has asked clients to reset their login credentials, a request coming shortly after Fidelity took similar action to limit third-party vendor access to 401(k) and other customer accounts. Like Fidelity, Schwab has cited protecting client data in their attempts to limit credential sharing of a client's username and password. Third party fintech firms such as Pontera have adopted credential-sharing technology to connect selected outside advisors with held-away assets such as 401(k) accounts from retirement plan providers."  MORE >>

"Here are five situations where it may be better NOT to name the spouse directly as the IRA beneficiary. [1] Sufficient assets.... [2] Vulnerable beneficiaries.... [3] Remarriage concerns ... [4] Blended families ... [5] Special needs beneficiaries."  MORE >>

"Reasons to roll over ... [1] Your plan has high-cost investments.... [2] You have a trail of 401(k) accounts.... [3] You need more bond funds.... [4] You want flexibility for withdrawals.... Stick with the 401(k)? ... [1] You plan to retire early…or late.... [2] You want to invest in a Roth IRA, but you earn too much to contribute.... [3] You worry about the loss of Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA).... [4] You're worried about lawsuits."  MORE >>

72 pages; Nov. 3, 2025. "Reminders: [1] Excise tax relief for certain 2024 required minimum distributions (RMDs).... [2] Income on corrective distributions of excess contributions.... [3] Modification of required distribution rules for designated beneficiaries.... [4] Simplified employee pension (SEP) and SIMPLE plans.... [5] Deemed IRAs.... [6] Statement of required minimum distribution (RMD).... [7] IRA interest.... [8] Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT). "  MORE >>

"[T]he key point is that the INDB Strategy can potentially extend the distribution period by up to 50%, giving heirs more time and flexibility in managing cash flow and taxes. And because the strategy's success depends on understanding the IRS timing and rule constraints, financial advisors can play a critical role in both determining when it's appropriate and helping clients implement it effectively!"  MORE >>

"The fact that some of the people are not related to John does not disqualify them from being an EDB. Yes, the 'random guy on the train' would be an EDB on John's IRA simply because he is not more than 10 years younger than John. Being older qualifies. That's why John's father and his mailman are also EDBs."  MORE >>

"The [IRS] has provided reporting relief from the requirement to include a code 'Y' on a 2025 Form 1099-R when reporting qualified charitable distributions from an IRA."  MORE >>

"If you're newly married or planning to tie the knot, it's important to understand how your IRA and 401(k) accounts are affected. From changes in contribution limits and tax-filing status to updating beneficiaries, this guide explains what every couple needs to know to avoid costly mistakes and make the most of their retirement savings."  MORE >>

"[A] trust should not be named as beneficiary of an IRA unless there is a legitimate reason to do so.... [1] Minor as Beneficiary.... [2] IRA beneficiary is someone who may need help with managing the IRA funds and taking required distributions, even if the beneficiary is an adult.... [3] Creditor protection.... [4] Control.... [5] Second marriages."  MORE >>

"States differ in their treatment of 529-to-Roth IRA rollovers.... Most states with state income taxes have said they will follow federal law.... 7 states (and the District of Columbia) have indicated that 529 savers may be subject to state income tax 'recapture' if 529 funds are transferred to Roth IRAs.... California stands alone.Its residents who do a 529-to-IRA rollover will be subject to both state income tax and an additional 2.5% California tax on earnings."  MORE >>

"Presently, it is not clear whether a change in 529 beneficiary triggers a new 15-year clock in the case of a 529-to-Roth IRA transfer.... For now, the most conservative course of action is to execute a 529-to-Roth IRA transfer only where the 529 plan and beneficiary have been in place for at least 15 years."  MORE >>

"[In] most cases, no IRA funds will need to be turned over to creditors if you file for bankruptcy. However, there is one important exception to that rule. If your IRA loses its tax-exempt status, bankruptcy protection for that IRA disappears. When would this happen? The most common way is when a person in bankruptcy commits a 'prohibited transaction' with his IRA dollars."  MORE >>