Roth IRA Conversions Open the Door for All Income Levels
By Saghir Aslam
(The following information is provided solely to educate the Muslim community about investing and financial planning. It is hoped that the ummah will benefit from this effort through greater financial empowerment, enabling the community to live in security and dignity and fulfill their religious and moral obligations towards charitable activities)
The Roth IRA, originally established as an attractive retirement savings vehicle for middle-income Americans, has been out of reach to high-income earners until now. But under a new provision beginning in 2010, investors were able to convert retirement plans and IRAs to Roth IRAs. This means that even high earners who convert to Roth IRAs will benefit from the tax-free withdrawal benefits the Roth IRA offers.
For the first time beginning January 1, 2010, people earning a modified adjusted gross income over $100,000 were able to convert any amount of their traditional IRA assets to Roth IRAs. Investors in Roth IRAs pay income tax on the money they invest now and withdraw it tax-free in the future -- the reverse of the traditional IRA structure.
Those who convert will also be able to spread those upfront tax payments over two years.
For all these reasons, Roth IRAs should definitely find their way back into affluent investors’ toolkits.
There is ample reason to consider a Roth conversion and to discuss this notion with your own tax advisor [1]. Roth IRA presents certain advantages to eligible investors. The Roth affords eligible investors tax-free withdrawals, tax-free growth, no minimum distribution requirements and estate planning benefits. Instead of claiming a tax deduction from current income in the year you contribute, a Roth IRA offers tax-free withdrawals on the back end, as long as you meet certain requirements.
It is important to understand what these changes mean in your own financial situation: while the conversion from a traditional to a Roth IRA is open to anyone regardless of income or filing status, new contributions continue to be capped by income for those who make direct contributions. The income threshold for a full contribution for 2009 is $105,000 for single persons and $166,000 for married persons filing jointly. For a reduced contribution, the income threshold is $120,000 and $176,000, respectively; however, the benefits phase out at even lower income levels.
Both traditional IRA and rollover IRA assets are eligible for the Roth IRA conversion. A conversion creates taxable income for the year in which it takes place.
Unlike a traditional IRA that requires withdrawals beginning at age 70-1/2, funds may grow tax-deferred in the Roth IRA indefinitely or be withdrawn on your own schedule.
Another attraction of the Roth conversion for affluent investors is that it can reduce the size of one’s taxable estate. The account can be kept intact and passed on to your heirs income tax free.
There are many factors to think through before you convert an IRA to a Roth IRA or invest in a Roth, and investors are advised to consult with a financial advisor to evaluate this investment option. Work with your advisor to learn more and to take steps to take advantage of this opportunity in 2011 and 2012.
(Saghir A. Aslam only explains strategies and formulas that he has been using. He is merely providing information, and NO ADVICE is given. Mr. Aslam does not endorse or recommend any broker, brokerage firm, or any investment at all, or does he suggest that anyone will earn a profit when or if they purchase stocks, bonds or any other investments. All stocks or investment vehicles mentioned are for illustrative purposes only. Mr. Aslam is not an attorney, accountant, real estate broker, stockbroker, investment advisor, or certified financial planner. Mr. Aslam does not have anything for sale.)
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