TAX PRO PLUS LA

Congress Removes IRA Contribution Age Restriction

In the past, unlike Roth IRAs, which have no age restriction associated with making a contribution, taxpayers were unable to make a traditional IRA contribution in and after the year they reached the age of 70½. This is primarily because a Roth IRA contribution is not tax deductible, while a traditional IRA is, unless it is phased out for higher income taxpayers.

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Childbirth and Adoption Penalty Exception Added

If you are looking for cash for a specific purpose, your retirement savings may be a tempting source. However, if you are under age 59½ and plan to withdraw money from a traditional IRA or qualified retirement account, then you will likely pay both income tax and a 10% early-distribution tax (also referred to as a penalty) on any previously untaxed money that you take out. Withdrawals you make from a SIMPLE IRA before age 59½ and during the two-year rollover-restriction period after establishing the SIMPLE IRA may be subject to a 25% additional early-distribution tax, instead of the normal 10%. The two-year period is measured from the first day when contributions are deposited. These penalties are just what you’d pay on your federal return; your state may also charge an early-withdrawal penalty in addition to the regular state income tax.

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Video Tips On What To Do If You Receive An IRS Deficiency Notice

Video: Learn tips on what to do if you receive an IRS deficiency notice.

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New Twist for Kiddie Tax with a Refund Opportunity

Your dependent child who worked during the year or had investment income, such as interest or dividends, may be required to file a tax return, depending upon the type and amount of the income. Years ago, to prevent parents from putting their investments in their children’s names to avoid or significantly reduce the tax on their investment income, Congress passed what is commonly referred to as the kiddie tax. The kiddie tax taxes children’s income in excess of a small allowance at the parent’s top tax rate.

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Did You Pay Tax on Home Mortgage Debt Relief in 2018? You May Be Entitled to a Refund

Whenever a taxpayer’s debt is forgiven, whether it is credit card debt, home mortgage debt, an auto loan, or other debt, that forgiven debt – referred to as cancellation-of-debt (COD) income – becomes taxable income to the taxpayer unless the debt was discharged in a bankruptcy proceeding or the taxpayer qualifies for one of the tax law exclusions providing relief from taxation of COD income.

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