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Taxes

Q&A: IRAs and tax considerations

March 22, 2021 By Liz Weston

Dear Liz: I’ve been researching the backdoor Roth IRA and I am finding some conflicting information regarding taxes owed on the conversions. I have two sizable rollover IRAs and one small ($1,600) traditional IRA. Can I make an after-tax contribution to the traditional IRA and convert that to a Roth and pay tax only on that IRA or do I have to consider all three IRAs?

Answer:
Sorry, but you have to consider all three. The tax on your conversion will be based on the pre-tax portion of all your IRAs combined, not just the IRA where you make your contribution.

Backdoor Roths allow people to get money into a Roth when their incomes are too high to make a direct contribution. Instead, they contribute to a traditional IRA and convert that to a Roth because conversions don’t have income limits. Conversions require paying taxes proportionately on your pre-tax contributions and earnings, however, so the technique may not be advisable when you have sizable pre-tax IRAs that will trigger a large tax bill.

Filed Under: Q&A, Retirement, Taxes Tagged With: IRA, q&a, Taxes

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

March 18, 2021 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Start early to get your house retirement-ready. Also in the news: Why these federal student loan borrowers are out of luck, 5 options for people who can’t afford their tax bills, and why big tax refunds aren’t as great as they seem.

Start Early to Get Your House Retirement-Ready
Most homes aren’t ready for “aging in place,” but you could take steps now to make your home better for retirement.

These Federal Student Loan Borrowers Aren’t Getting Relief
FFEL borrowers are out of luck.

5 Options for People Who Can’t Afford Their Tax Bills
If you can’t afford your tax bill, consider an installment plan or an offer in compromise if you qualify.

Why Big Tax Refunds Aren’t As Great as They Seem
You’re giving the IRS a loan.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: FFEL borrowers, payment options, retirement-ready homes, Student Loans, tax refunds, Taxes

Friday’s need-to-know money news

March 12, 2021 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Ready player two? How couples maximize their credit card rewards. Also in the news: The new stimulus package helps ore college students, common tools that can save you time and money on taxes, and how to qualify for 100% subsidized COBRA payments.

Ready Player Two? How Couples Maximize Their Credit Card Rewards
These couples work together to double their rewards by engaging a “two-player” credit card strategy.

This Time, the Stimulus Package Helps More College Students
Things are different for the third round of payments.

Common Tools Can Save You Time, Money on Taxes
Some of these tools are already on your phone.

How to Qualify for 100% Subsidized COBRA Premiums
Find out what you need to qualify.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: COBRA premiums, college students, credit card rewards, stimulus, tax tools, Taxes

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

March 11, 2021 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: COVID-19 relief for homeowners facing a payment crisis. Also in the news: Common tools that can save you time and money on taxes, why you might treat your third stimulus check differently, and how borrowing for emergencies and moving rose in 2020.

COVID-19 Mortgage Relief for Homeowners Facing a Payment Crisis
Forbearance and loan modifications can help with your mortgage if your pay has been reduced or you’re unemployed.

Common Tools Can Save You Time, Money on Taxes
Help is just an app away.

Why You Might Treat Your Third Stimulus Check Differently
Immediate needs come first, then savings. Consider gifts to those in need and teaching your children about money.

Borrowing for Emergencies and Moving Rose in 2020
NerdWallet data shows what was on some consumers’ minds when getting a personal loan during a chaotic year.

Filed Under: Liz Live Tagged With: borrowing for emergencies, CVID-19 mortgage relief, stimulus checks, Taxes

Common tools can save you time, money on taxes

March 9, 2021 By Liz Weston

Receipts, like memories, tend to fade with time. That’s just one reason to digitize and track tax-related information. The right apps and habits can save space, time, money and hassle — but only if you use them.

“Apps should make things easier, not more complicated,” says Clare Levison, a certified public accountant in Blacksburg, Virginia. “The definition of a good app is what works for you, not the one that’s the trendiest.”

In my latest for the Associated Press, how to use the tools you already have to make your life easier come tax time.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: apps, receipts, Taxes

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

February 25, 2021 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Why you should stop waiting to sell your home. Also in the news: How to find a Black financial advisor, sharing renters insurance with a roommate, and why you need to start claiming crypto on your taxes.

Why You Should Stop Waiting to Sell Your Home
Now maybe a good time to sell your home. First, decide whether to sell before or after finding your next place.

How to Find a Black Financial Advisor
There are a few ways, but understanding the “why” may be just as important as the “how.”

Can I Share Renters Insurance With My Roommate?
Many companies permit it, but there’s no guarantee it’ll save you money in the long run.

Why You Need to Start Claiming Crypto on Your Taxes
The IRS wants to know.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Black financial advisors, cryptocurrency, real estate, renters insurance, Taxes

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