Monthly Archives: August 2009

To convert or not – traditional IRA to Roth IRA …

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Converting a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA results in current income taxes. Also, certain taxpayers with high income cannot avail themselves of converting

If you have money outside your IRA that can cover the taxes, you are more likely to want to convert the IRA. The reason for doing so is that no taxes are due on withdrawals during retirement. Also, the asset passes to heirs with no income tax.

However, you are trading the taxes now, lessening your total investments, for future taxes. So you need to work through the decision to convert carefully

The calculation is complicated and, for example, if the traditional IRA were to be subject to taxes at a lower rate than now, converting might make sense.

A list of concerns appears below. If you are considering making this conversion and want help with the decision, let us know.

Thanks,

Steven

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First, Bob Keebler is a CPA with a major accounting firm, Baker Tilly, in Appleton, Wis., and author of The Big IRA Book. Here’s his reaction to the article:
“The math of the conversion is more complex than this author addresses:
• When rates are going down the conversion likely makes no sense.
• When rates are going up the conversion is more likely to make sense.
• Conversions are likely better for the person who does not need the funds to live off.
• Conversions are generally better for the person that has outside funds to pay the taxes.
• Conversions for a couple before the first death can make sense.
• Conversions with the intention to monitor the market often make sense.
• Conversions for a person with an estate tax problem will make more sense than for a person without an estate tax issue.
• Conversions to leave a Roth to grandchildren often have merit.
• Conversions for a person with an NOL or other carryforward can make sense.
“This question is very complex and a calculator cannot replace the professional’s judgment.”

Planning for emergencies

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A client asked for detail on the list for “in case of emergencies” documents

Here is an expanded version of what I have used in more recent financial plans, for the text on all the planning analysis:

You should consider compiling a reference book or adding to your financial plan book photocopies of important papers, identifying where the originals are, then adding a list of important contacts, instructions to your executor and trustee and other important notes for family and friends. You would update this at least annually with new asset statements (consider this as you gather information for preparing your taxes). To be more specific, the list (and copies) should include:

1. Location of original will, trust, etc.
2. Location of health care proxy and durable power of attorney
3. List of professionals: doctor, attorney, CPA, etc.
4. List of fiduciaries with contact information: health care proxy, guardians, executors and trustees, attorney-in-fact for durable power of attorney, etc.
5. Location of insurance policies and valuables such as original titles, etc.
6. Location of safe deposit box for valuables and items in #5 of 7
7. List of all bank and investment accounts and location of any stock certificates or other documentation for investments
8. List of all mortgages, loans and credit card accounts
9. Any appraisals or other listing of items by value
10. All automatic debits that need to be addressed

If you have questions, additions or comments, let me know

Thanks,

Steven