As part of the late 2019 pile of bills expected to be passed to keep the government open, it is anticipated that Congress will pass a bill that will affect the retirement savings of many Americans. In some cases, it will have an adverse effect on a common financial planning/estate planning technique commonly referred to as “stretch planning”.
The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (i.e. the “Secure Act”) has been in the planning stages for several years. The following are some of the more important features of the bill, including:
Today IRAs can be stretched out over the lifetime of the beneficiaries’. If used properly and with the guidance of financial and estate planning professionals (for use with a qualified trust as a beneficiary), this “stretch planning” technique can provide decades of tax-deferred (or tax-free in the case of Roth IRAs) compounding. Instead, most IRA beneficiaries (other than a surviving spouse or minor or disabled child) would be required to deplete an inherited IRA within ten (10) years. This acceleration will likely push beneficiaries of inherited IRAs into a higher marginal tax bracket and increase the taxes owed. It may also hamper creditor protection strategies using IRAs in trust.
For estate planning clients with large retirement account balances it will be increasingly important to evaluate the tax consequences to the named beneficiary. For example, perhaps naming children together with grand children or charities will make more sense to increase tax planning opportunities.
For more information on planning for retirement, planning in the context of estate planning, or general estate planning and administration, probate or trust matters please contact the attorneys at Welts, White & Fontaine PC. Please contact us by clicking here or by calling (603) 883-0797. Welts, White & Fontaine is one of Nashua’s largest, multi-practice law firms and serves the legal needs of both individuals and businesses in towns such as Amherst, Milford, Hudson, Brookline, Windham, Hollis, Merrimack, Litchfield, Bedford, Londonderry, Pelham, and, of course, Nashua.
Author: John S. Polgrean, Esq.
This blog is intended for informational use only. The information contained herein should not be construed as offering legal advice or a legal opinion.
The Law Offices of Welts, White & Fontaine, P.C.
29 Factory Street Nashua, New Hampshire 03060
Telephone: (603) 883-0797 | FAX: (603) 883-8723 | [email protected]
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