When I reach age 73, I am going to have to start taking money out of my IRA. I know that I will get taxed on that money. Is there a simple way to shield that money from high taxes, especially because (starting at age 70) I’ll be collecting Social Security by then too?
Navigating taxes on retirement savings can be complex, but there are strategies that you can consider to help minimize the tax impact when you start taking withdrawals from your IRA at age 73, especially alongside Social Security benefits. Here are some ideas you might find helpful.
- Roth IRA Conversion: Consider converting a portion of your traditional IRA into a Roth IRA. Roth IRAs offer tax-free withdrawals in retirement, which can be advantageous when planning for future tax liabilities. It is important to evaluate whether paying taxes on the conversion makes sense given your current and expected future tax brackets.
- Gradual Withdrawals: Instead of taking large withdrawals from your IRA, consider spreading them out over multiple years. By managing the amount you withdraw annually while still meeting your required minimum distribution (RMD), you may be able to stay within lower tax brackets and reduce the overall tax burden on your retirement income.
- Charitable Contributions: If you are inclined to support charitable causes and are at least age 70½, you might benefit from utilizing Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from your IRA. QCDs allow you to donate directly from your IRA to a qualified charity, which can fulfill your required minimum distributions (RMDs) while potentially reducing your taxable income.
Each individual’s financial circumstances are unique, so it’s essential to assess these strategies in light of your overall retirement plan. By taking proactive steps and seeking professional advice, you can optimize your retirement income and minimize the impact of taxes on your IRA withdrawals and Social Security benefits.
