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Maximizing Retirement Earnings: Avoid Overpaying Taxes

Gone are the days when retirement signaled an end to dealing with the IRS. In today’s financial landscape, retirement is synonymous with strategic tax management, optimal income timing, and sidestepping costly tax pitfalls. Image 1

Surprisingly, many retirees inadvertently overlook these aspects, leading to unnecessary tax burdens. If you’ve recently retired or are on the verge of retiring, it’s crucial to understand this: Retirement tax planning is as vital—if not more so—than your working years.

Why Summer is Ideal for Retirement Tax Planning

While summer might not suggest tax planning to most, it represents a prime period to:

  • Fine-tune your withdrawals ahead of year-end RMDs

  • Restructure income avenues to minimize taxes

  • Steer clear of Medicare premium hikes due to auxiliary income

Come December, making necessary adjustments is often a missed opportunity.

Three Common Retirement Tax Errors and Their Solutions

1. Delayed RMDs or Missed Deadlines

For those aged 73 and above, neglecting Required Minimum Distributions can incur a hefty 25% penalty on the missed withdrawal. Image 2

Even if you don’t require the funds immediately, a proactive strategy is essential to maintain compliance.

2. Incorrect Account Withdrawal Sequence

Retirees often deplete IRAs or 401(k)s first, while leaving Roth IRAs intact—this approach might:

  • Trigger higher tax brackets

  • Lead to increased Medicare surcharges (IRMAA)

  • Miss tax-free growth opportunities

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A coordinated withdrawal plan is pivotal in extending the longevity of your retirement portfolios.

3. Overlooking Peripheral Capital Gains

Profits from property sales, investment rebalancing, or side ventures can push your income to unwanted heights, particularly when drawing Social Security. Image 3

Mid-year planning is advantageous for strategically managing these gains—and losses—preventing excessive yearly income accumulation.

Bonus: Tax-Efficient Gifting and Legacy Planning

  • Consider aiding family or investing in meaningful causes?

  • Need to address estate taxes before upcoming changes?

There are savvy methods to achieve these without escalating your tax obligations.

Ensure Peaceful Retirement with Smart Tax Planning

After years of diligent savings, it’s imperative not to let unforeseen tax measures erode your hard-earned wealth.
If securing a well-structured retirement income plan is your goal, we’re here to assist. Our team at Michael Dolezal & Co is ready to evaluate your existing strategy, fill in any gaps, and devise forward-thinking plans—prolonging your financial stability and minimizing stress.

Reach out to our office if you’re newly retired, about to retire, or even if you simply want a fresh evaluation of your tax strategies.
You’ve completed the most challenging step—now let’s ensure your efforts primarily benefit you instead of the IRS.

Contact us at (216) 485-2028 or visit info@cpaneeds.com to discover how we can optimize your tax and accounting pathways. Based in Cleveland and serving Northeast Ohio, Michael Dolezal & Co specializes in tailored solutions for your financial success.

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