Dear Liz: I have read advice on how to minimize taxes for people who potentially could have higher incomes and taxes after age 70 when they have pensions, Social Security payments and retirement account RMDs. The most common strategy seems to be doing Roth conversions during the later stages of employment, particularly if one spouse retires before the other so family income decreases.
However, I have not read good advice for older people when this problem has already started (other than noting that one way to avoid paying taxes is to donate the RMD funds). Is there any strategy for people who already have this triple income to reduce paying taxes and high Medicare premiums? We lived below our means for our working lives to save for retirement, but now see our savings dissipate due to the taxes and Medicare premiums.
Answer: Your situation illustrates why it’s so important to get good tax advice years before RMDs start, because you have fewer options after that point.
The alternative you mentioned is called a qualified charitable distribution. QCDs allow you to transfer a certain amount (up to $111,000 per individual in 2026) directly from your IRA to a charity. The transfer can satisfy your RMD requirement, but the amount is not included in your taxable income.
Another option is buying a qualified longevity annuity contract, or QLAC. These deferred income annuities start paying out guaranteed income for life once you’ve reached a certain age (up to age 85). You can use up to a certain lifetime amount of IRA money ($210,000 per individual in 2026) to purchase the contract. That money is excluded from RMD calculations until payouts begin.
As with any annuity, you’ll want to research your options, understand the downsides — including lack of liquidity, because the amount you spend typically can’t be recovered — and seek out fiduciary advice before you proceed.
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