If you are one of many Americans who have salted away large sums of money in 401(k)s and IRAs, you face a tax dilemma. Once you retire, you must generally start taking required minimum distributions (RMD) when you reach age 70½. And the amount, determined by an IRS formula, can be substantial. For example, if you have $1 million in an IRA or 401(k), you must withdraw $36,496.35 at age 70½.
A QLAC isn’t a magic bullet. It’s a fixed annuity, and you cannot change your mind once you have made the deposit. You need to be certain that this is money that you do not need nor want to pay tax on prior to the date the income begins.
One important provision that you can include in your QLAC to protect yourself is an income start date change rider. This will commonly allow you to accelerate the payment of income to as short as five years after you made the purchase if you decide you need additional income. You’re forfeiting liquidity of your money that is deposited into the QLAC in return for being able to reduce the amount of your RMD to a maximum of your age 85.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Kim Franke-Folstad contributed to this article.
-
I'm 58 and unexpectedly inherited $650K. Does this change my retirement timeline?We asked an expert financial adviser to weigh in.
-
Why Smart Retirees Are Ditching Traditional Financial PlansFinancial plans based purely on growth, like the 60/40 portfolio, are built for a different era. Today’s retirees need plans based on real-life risks and goals and that feature these four elements.
-
Why Smart Retirees Are Ditching Traditional Financial Plans
Financial plans based purely on growth, like the 60/40 portfolio, are built for a different era. Today’s retirees need plans based on real-life risks and goals and that feature these four elements.
-
To My Small Business: Well, I've Been Afraid of Changin', 'Cause I've Built My Life Around YouWhile thinking about succession planning might feel like anticipating a landslide (here's to you, Fleetwood Mac), there are strategies you can implement to manage the uncertainty and the transition.
-
7 Essential Investing Rules We All Should KnowThe best time to start investing is right now. That's just one vital rule investors should be familiar with. Here are six more.
-
These Are the Key Tariff Issues to Watch in Coming MonthsWhile they're not dominating headlines right now, tariffs are not over. Some key dates are coming up fast that could upend markets all over again.
-
Technology Unleashes the Power of Year-Round Tax-Loss HarvestingTech advancements have made it possible to continuously monitor and rebalance portfolios, allowing for harvesting losses throughout the year rather than just once a year.
-
The Fiduciary Firewall: An Expert's Five-Step Guide to Honest Financial PlanningArmed with education and awareness, you can avoid unethical people in the financial industry by seeking fee-only fiduciaries and sharing your knowledge with others.
-
How Private Capital Could Be the Key to Rebuilding AmericaPrivate capital investment in infrastructure could be a more efficient and effective alternative to government funding, potentially stimulating the economy during uncertain times, creating jobs and delivering projects on time and within budget.
-
Real Estate Bridge Funds: An Expert Guide to Investing in a Volatile MarketInvestors looking for passive income are buying into these funds, which offer capital to borrowers for short-term financing.
