Ask Liz Weston

Get smart with your money

Taxes

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: IRS scraps plan to use ID.me selfies for account verification. Also in the news: How to approach taxes if you traded cryptocurrency in 2021, only 23% of investors align their investments to their values, and how to choose the right cryptocurrency wallet.

IRS Scraps Plan to Use ID.me Selfies for Account Verification
The IRS walks back a directive that would have required taxpayers to submit a video selfie to access their online accounts.

Traded Cryptocurrency in 2021? Here’s How to Approach Taxes
With the tax-filing deadline just a few months away, those who traded cryptocurrency last year should understand their tax liability.

Survey: Just 23% of Investors Align Most Investments to Their Values
Socially responsible investing is gaining in popularity, but there’s a pronounced gap between those who value it and those who actually invest this way.

How to Choose the Right Cryptocurrency Wallet
All your cryptocurrency has to be stored somewhere—here’s how to choose the right crypto wallet for your needs.

Q&A: Plan for taxes after mortgage payoff

By

Dear Liz: In a recent column, you answered a question from a couple who just paid off their mortgage. You suggested increasing retirement or emergency savings or possibly charitable contributions. All good, but you should have pointed out that the mortgage lender will not be responsible for paying the property tax and fire insurance going forward. I would suggest the couple open a separate account and build up a fund to pay those expenses or they could be facing financial hardship when the tax and insurance bills come.

Answer: Good point. Many homeowners are accustomed to paying their homeowners insurance and property taxes through escrow accounts set up by their mortgage lenders. Once the loan is paid off, these bills become the homeowners’ responsibility to pay.

Q&A: Taxes on retirement account withdrawals

By

Dear Liz: I would love to give my grandchildren money, but I don’t want to pay the income tax on withdrawals from my IRA or 401(k). Will they get it tax-free when I die?

Answer: Unfortunately, no.

Withdrawals from retirement accounts are generally taxable, whether the person making the withdrawals is the original contributor or an heir. Furthermore, non-spouse beneficiaries of retirement accounts generally must withdraw the money within 10 years.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: How to maximize your health span. Also in the news: Home affordability for first-time buyers, 6 steps to higher net worth, and how to avoid a tax bomb when selling your home.

How to Maximize Your ‘Health Span’
We’re living longer on average, but the number of years we’re healthy hasn’t kept up.

First-Time Home Buyer Metro Affordability Report — Q3 2021
Home affordability for first-time buyers was stable in the third quarter of 2021.

6 Steps to Higher Net Worth: A Year-End Financial Checklist
Review your health insurance and retirement contributions, prepare for tax time and monitor your credit.

How to avoid a tax bomb when selling your home
Write-off thresholds have stayed the same for decades.

Q&A: How to pass on inheritance to your children

By

Dear Liz: I may inherit $500,000 but do not necessarily need the money for my retirement. Is there a way to pass that inheritance, or a part of it, to my two children without incurring a taxable event for myself or for them? I may want to ask my parents to add that to their trust or will.

Answer: You can “disclaim” or refuse to accept all or part an inheritance. If you do so correctly, the assets will pass to the next beneficiary as dictated by the estate documents (or by state law, in the absence of a will or living trust). If you think you’ll want this option, definitely discuss this with your parents and their estate planning attorney so the documents can be set up properly.

Keep in mind that few families have enough wealth to be affected by gift or estate taxes. Only people who give away millions of dollars in their lifetime have to pay gift taxes, for example. If you decide not to disclaim and later give the entire $500,000 to your kids, you wouldn’t have to pay gift taxes until you gave away considerably more. Plus, gifts are tax free to the recipients.

Gift and estate laws are always subject to change, so definitely consult a tax pro before making any decision regarding either.

Q&A: Ask a tax pro before Roth conversion

By

Dear Liz: I’m almost 70, still working, and I’ve got a decent-size IRA as well as a 403(b) that I plan to move to an IRA when I retire. Because I have a pension and other investments, I don’t think I’ll ever need the money in the IRA and 403(b). Should I convert to a Roth now so my kids (31 and 28) won’t have to pay taxes when they inherit it? I’ve got the cash to cover the taxes for the Roth conversion.

Answer: That would be a generous move, but you should consult a tax pro to make sure you understand the implications.

As you know, converting a pre-tax retirement account such as an IRA, 401(k) or a 403(b) to a Roth IRA can generate a sizable income tax bill. Such conversions can push you into a higher tax bracket and, if you’re on Medicare, also may increase your premiums.

You may want to spread the conversion over several years, converting just enough each year to “fill out” your tax bracket and avoid Medicare surcharges. A tax pro can help with those calculations.