Blog
Roth IRA Conversion in the Era of COVID-19 - Is it right for you?
Submitted by 360Blue Financial Strategies on April 30th, 2020![](/sites/default/files/users/360blue/Blog header images (1).png)
The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken up nearly every aspect of American life. To say it’s been a difficult time would be an understatement.
However, difficult times may open doors to new possibilities. Businesses are changing their ways of operating, and individuals are exploring new avenues for investment. It may be time for you to consider some opportunities, as well.
Key Provisions of the CARES Act
Submitted by 360Blue Financial Strategies on April 6th, 2020![](/sites/default/files/users/360blue/Blog header images.png)
Distributions can be waived in 2020 for Inherited Accounts, 401(k)s, and IRAs.
Recently, the $2 trillion "Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security" ("CARES") Act was signed into law. The CARES Act is designed to help those most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, while also providing key provisions that may benefit retirees.1
To put this monumental legislation in perspective, Congress earmarked $800 billion for the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 during the financial crisis.1
The CARES Act has far-reaching implications for many. Here are the most important provisions to keep in mind:
Stimulus Check Details. Americans can expect a one-time direct payment of up to $1,200 for individuals (or $2,400 for married couples) with an additional $500 per child under age 17. These payments are based on the 2019 tax returns for those who have filed them and 2018 information if they have not. The amount is reduced if an individual makes more than $75,000 or a couple makes more than $150,000. Those who make more than $99,000 as an individual (or $198,000 as a couple) will not receive a payment.1
Business Owner Relief. The act also allocates $500 billion for loans, loan guarantees, or investments to businesses, states, and municipalities.1
Your Inherited 401(k)s. People who have inherited 401(k)s or Individual Retirement Accounts can suspend distributions in 2020. Required distributions don't apply to people with Roth IRAs; although, they do apply to investors who inherit Roth accounts.2
RMDs Suspended. The CARES Act suspends the minimum required distributions most people must take from 401(k)s and IRAs in 2020. In 2009, Congress passed a similar rule, which gave retirees some flexibility when considering distributions.2,3
Withdrawal Penalties. Account owners can take a distribution of up to $100,000 from their retirement plan or IRA in 2020, without the 10-percent early withdrawal penalty that normally applies to money taken out before age 59½. But remember, you still owe the tax.4
Many businesses and individuals are struggling with the realities that COVID-19 has brought to our communities. The CARES Act, however, may provide some much-needed relief. Contact your financial professional today to see if these special 2020 distribution rules are appropriate for your situation.
Under the CARES act, an account holder who already took a 2020 distribution has up to 60 days to return the distribution without owing taxes on it. This material is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. Under the SECURE Act, your required minimum distribution (RMD) must be distributed by the end of the 10th calendar year following the year of the Individual Retirement Account (IRA) owner's death. Penalties may occur for missed RMDs. Any RMDs due for the original owner must be taken by their deadlines to avoid penalties. A surviving spouse of the IRA owner, disabled or chronically ill individuals, individuals who are not more than 10 years younger than the IRA owner, and children of the IRA owner who have not reached the age of majority may have other minimum distribution requirements.
Under the CARES act, an accountholder who already took a 2020 distribution has up to 60 days to return the distribution without owing taxes on it. This material is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. Under the SECURE Act, in most circumstances, once you reach age 72, you must begin taking required minimum distributions from a Traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Withdrawals from Traditional IRAs are taxed as ordinary income, and if taken before age 59½, may be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty. You may continue to contribute to a Traditional IRA past age 70½ under the SECURE Act, as long as you meet the earned-income requirement.
Account holders can always withdraw more. But if they take less than the minimum required, they could be subject to a 50% penalty on the amount they should have withdrawn – except for 2020.
Coronavirus & More
Submitted by 360Blue Financial Strategies on February 24th, 2020The SECURE Act-Long-established retirement account rules change
Submitted by 360Blue Financial Strategies on January 30th, 2020![](/sites/default/files/users/360blue/Blog header images (6).png)
The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act is now law. With it, comes some of the biggest changes to retirement savings law in recent years. While the new rules don’t appear to amount to a massive upheaval, the SECURE Act will require a change in strategy for many Americans. For others, it may reveal new opportunities.
New I.R.S. Contribution Limits- A look at the maximum amounts you can put into retirement accounts this year.
Submitted by 360Blue Financial Strategies on January 30th, 2020Roth IRA Conversions
Submitted by 360Blue Financial Strategies on January 21st, 2020Saving Your Elderly Parents from Financial Fraud
Submitted by 360Blue Financial Strategies on January 20th, 2020How to Create a Financial Plan
Submitted by 360Blue Financial Strategies on January 1st, 2020Top Strategies for Charitable Giving
Submitted by 360Blue Financial Strategies on November 27th, 2019![](/sites/default/files/users/360blue/Copy of Blog header images (3).png)
We all have certain causes that we choose to support monetarily. In fact, in 2017, Americans gave more than $410 billion to charities, breaking the $400 billion mark for the first time in history.
But anytime that we give our money to an organization, it’s important to do our due diligence, ensuring that the funds that we give will be used effectively.