If you’re doing a good job of saving up for retirement and looking at the possibility of meeting your goals sooner than later, one of the next biggest hurdles you’ll have to overcome is how to physically get your money out of your retirement accounts. For most personal accounts such as a 401(k), 403(b), or IRA, you have to wait until age 59-1/2 or get slapped with a hefty 10% penalty fee. There are special exceptions to the 401(k) and 403(b) that may allow you to access your money without penalty by age 55. But even still, what if you are able to retire even sooner than that? Fortunately, this is where a 72(t) comes in. A 72(t) is a little-known tax code within the IRS laws that allows an individual under the age of 59-1/2 to take … [Read more...] about Retire Early Using a 72(t)
IRS
Retirement Contribution Limits Increased in 2012
On Friday, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced there will be an increase to the contribution levels for 401(k)’s, 403(b)’s, and the other similar government sponsored retirement plans. The changes will be as follows: • You can now contribute up to $17,000 (up from $16,500 this year) to eligible plans starting in 2012 • Catch-up contribution limits for the same eligible plans will still remain $5,500 for anyone age 50 and over • No change to the IRA (Traditional, Roth) contribution limits - $5,000 annually and $6,000 for anyone age 50 and older. • Roth IRA income limits will be increased by $3,000 to between $110,000 and $125,000 for singles / heads of household and by $4,000 for $173,000 to $183,000 for married couples filing … [Read more...] about Retirement Contribution Limits Increased in 2012
