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Yearly Archives: 2009
2 Year Rule on Early Distributions From Simple IRA Plans
[Stacie says: The following information is from Retirement Rules For Employers published by the IRS. Pay particular attention to the 25% additional tax on early distributions – the two year period described below is key to understanding the tax consequences of an early distribution.]
Generally, an early distribution from a SIMPLE IRA is treated the same as one from a traditional IRA; the 10% additional tax on early distributions applies. However, if a distribution is made from the SIMPLE IRA within two years of when contributions were first deposited to the participant’s SIMPLE IRA, the additional tax on early distributions, if applicable, is increased from 10% to 25%. Any rollovers or transfers from a SIMPLE IRA within this 2-year period, unless to another SIMPLE IRA, are also subject to the 25% additional tax on early distributions.
Certain distributions are exempt from any additional tax on early distributions and include the following distributions made:
after the participant is 59 ½ years old;
for unreimbursed medical expenses that are more than 7.5% of adjusted gross income;
in an amount not more than the cost of medical insurance;
after the participant is disabled;
in the form of an annuity;
to pay qualified higher education expenses; and
to buy, build or rebuild a first home.
If the employer terminates a SIMPLE IRA plan before the 2-year period, the 25% additional tax on early distributions still applies. Participants who want to avoid this additional tax have the option of:
leaving the money in their SIMPLE IRA until the end of the 2-year period; or
leaving the money in their SIMPLE IRA until they meet an exception to the additional tax.
Participants can roll over the balance in their SIMPLE IRA to another SIMPLE IRA, but the 25% additional tax on early distributions will still apply for distributions from the new SIMPLE IRA within the original 2-year period. After the 2-year period has been met, SIMPLE IRA assets can be rolled over or transferred to other types of retirement plans, including 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, 457(b) plans, and traditional and Roth IRAs without being subject to the 25% additional tax on early distributions.
Additional Information on SIMPLE IRA Plans:
Publication 4334, SIMPLE IRA Plans for Small Businesses
Publication 560, Retirement Plans for Small Business (SEP, SIMPLE, and Qualified Plans)
Publication 590, Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs)
Retirement Plans FAQs regarding SIMPLE IRA Plans
SIMPLE IRA Plan
Wondering About Recovery Act Tax Benefits? Here is Some Information
WASHINGTON — As part of a larger effort to increase the awareness and use of tax benefits available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act), the Internal Revenue Service announced the availability of a vast array of products that help explain several tax benefits currently available to American Families.
With time running out to qualify for some of the Recovery benefits, the IRS has unveiled new YouTube videos, radio public service announcements (PSAs) and multi-lingual informational flyers that provide basic information for taxpayers. The items are available on IRS.gov for partner groups, the media, web sites and other organizations whose audience could benefit from the new tax changes.
These products are in addition to earlier IRS efforts on YouTube (www.youtube.com/irsvideos) and iTunes to increase public awareness about the tax credits. The IRS.gov official web site also contains links and complete information about ARRA at www.irs.gov/recovery. The PSAs are in English and Spanish in either 30-second or 60-second formats. The flyers and posters are in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Russian and Vietnamese.
Topics covered include:
The first-time homebuyer credit which provides a maximum $8,000 tax credit to people who meet eligibility requirements and complete the purchase of their homes before December 1;
The American Opportunity Credit expands education tax credits to $2,500 for tuition and a change in 529 plans allows for the purchase of computers for college use;
The energy credit expands to a maximum of $1,500 for certain energy-saving upgrades;
A new deduction for the sales or excises taxes paid on the purchase price of new vehicles;
The Making Work Pay tax credit, which many American workers received in April through reduced tax withholding in their paychecks. The Making Work Pay credit is $400 for single taxpayers and $800 for married taxpayers who meet certain income guidelines. However, some people, such as married spouses, workers with two jobs, pensioners, some Social Security recipients and dependents, should check their tax withholding to ensure they are not having too little withheld.
Stacie's Tax Stuff 