Trillions of dollars disappeared from taxpayers’ retirement accounts in the closing months of 2008, thanks to the crisis in the financial markets. If your IRA lost value, you might have a tax opportunity to consider.
CONVERT YOUR TRADITIONAL IRA TO A ROTH IRA.
Converting to a Roth triggers income tax on the value of your IRA, but since your IRA’s value has dropped, the tax would also be lower. The benefit: Qualified withdrawals from Roth IRAs are tax-free while withdrawals from traditional IRAs are subject to ordinary income tax. There is a $100,000 income threshold to qualify for a Roth conversion in 2009; this income limit ends in 2010.
RECHARACTERIZE A ROTH TO A TRADITIONAL IRA.
What if you converted your traditional IRA to a Roth IRA in 2008 before the market took a dive and are now facing income tax on a higher value than your Roth IRA currently has? In this situation, you might consider what is called a “recharacterization” – making a trustee-to-trustee transfer from the Roth back to a traditional IRA, essentially canceling out the original conversion to a Roth and any taxes due. The rules governing IRAs are complex, so see us before you do anything. We can help you analyze the options available in your specific circumstances.
Have you done an insurance checkup lately?
When was the last time you reviewed your insurance coverage? An annual insurance review makes good financial sense. Here are points to consider as you review your various insurance policies.
* Health care. If you have an individual policy, investigate whether your employer, union, or professional association offers a less expensive group policy.
* Long-term care. Long-term care insurance may be advisable if you’re between the ages of 55 and 72 and you don’t have enough assets to fund long-term care.
* Life. The protection you need depends on the number of people who rely on you for support. Whole, variable, and universal life policies combine insurance coverage with an investment future. If you want insurance only, consider term life.
* Disability. Studies show that less than one American in six owns enough disability insurance to provide a comfortable lifestyle during a two-year disability. Disability coverage is generally limited to 60%-70% of salaried income. If you have adequate emergency funds, electing a longer waiting period for coverage to kick in will reduce your premiums.
* Homeowners. With fluctuations in the real estate market, it’s possible that your home is now under- or over-insured. Coverage equal to the current replacement cost (excluding land), not its original cost, is advisable.
* Auto. Liability insurance is a must, but consider dropping collision coverage if you can afford to repair or replace the vehicle on your own. Collision insurance is probably required if your car is financed or leased.
* Umbrella liability. Personal liability coverage is included with most homeowner and auto policies. However, if you own substantial assets, umbrella coverage will provide additional protection at minimal cost.
* Unnecessary insurance. Avoid policies with narrowly defined coverage (such as credit, travel, or cancer insurance) if they duplicate other coverage.
For Tax Filing in Cupertino or a free consultation for business owners and individuals call (408) 879-9990 and ask for Steve Pyle of Cirimelli Pyle and Associates LLP regarding their accounting, tax, and planning services. You can also email him at steve@sanjose-cpa.com. Just sit back and let these Cupertino Business Accountants do the rest.