Tucked into the gigantic “Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security” (“CARES”) Act were two key changes you should know about, regarding required minimum distributions (RMDs). Both were designed to give people more control over their money and to help manage selling investments during an emergency.1
One provision allows retirees to forego taking RMDs from Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA) or 401(k)-style plans this year.
The other provision allows people who have inherited 401(k)s, IRAs or Roth IRAs to suspend distributions in 2020 (while RMDs don’t apply to people with Roth IRAs, they do apply to investors who inherit Roth accounts).
Let’s take a look at a couple of examples.
- Let’s say an account holder has been taking RMDs from an inherited account for a number of years using the life-expectancy method set by the Internal Revenue Service. The account holder can forgo a distribution in 2020, and resume distributions in 2021.
- Suppose an account owner passed away on January 1, 2020, and left the IRA to an adult child. The new 10-year rule would start in 2021. The beneficiary would have until the end of the 10th year to withdraw the entire account.2
Important Note: If you have already taken a distribution from an IRA or 401(k)-style plan this year, you may be able to roll the funds back into the plan. But if you have already taken a distribution from an inherited IRA, you may not be allowed to put that money back. Keep in mind, the CARES Act is a 335-page bill, and some of the provisions are open to interpretation. Please contact your tax or legal professional to understand how it might impact your situation.
Big picture, these rule changes are meant to help Americans who may be struggling with the economic, emotional, or physical toll of COVID-19. In a tough time, these provisions of the CARES Act gives account owners some flexibility that may provide some relief. As always, please reach out if you have questions, I am happy to connect.
Contact me with questions or concerns.
Robert J. Tuzzo, CLU®, ChFC®, MSFS
Total Financial Concepts, Inc
106 Apple Street Suite 204
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Phone: 732-225-7404
Citations:
1 - The Wall Street Journal, March 25, 2020.
2 - Forbes.com, March 30, 2020.
Disclosure:
This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note - investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment.
Compliance Note: A0RB-0520-May21