Roth Ira Conversion 2010
When the Roth IRA first became an benefit, there were rules in place that made it so that those with higher incomes were not allowed to convert traditional IRAs to Roth IRAs, nor were they able to open or fund Roth IRAs. However, Bush signed a law that changes these rules and allows these individuals to begin to do so starting in 2010. In addition, those who undergo Roth Ira Conversion 2010 will have a special tax advantage.
The income limit to be applied to Roth IRA conversions before 2010 is $100,000 per year adjusted gross income, whether married or single. For those interested in opening Roth IRAs, if they made more than $110,000 ($160,000 for married couples that filed jointly), they were not allowed to do this either. Starting in 2010 these income limits are not longer valid, and anyone who wishes to do so will be able to do a Roth Ira Conversion 2010 or open and contribute to a Roth IRA.
When a traditional IRA is changed to a Roth IRA, the money that was put into the traditional IRA on a pre-tax basis is taxed as income since distributions from a Roth IRA are not taxed. The advantage available for a Roth Ira Conversion 2010 is that these taxes can be spread out over two years rather than having to be paid all during the year of the conversion, which will be the case after 2010. This advantage of spreading out the tax bill is only available in 2010. However, not everyone will wish to take advantage of this as the tax rate is expected to be higher in 2011, so that total amount that will have to be paid if the tax is spread out over two years may end up being higher than if the taxes were paid all at once. This is good for those who can’t afford to pay the taxes all at once, however.
Before making a Roth Ira Conversion 2010, ensure that you do consider whether or not a Roth IRA is right for you. Roth IRAs do have some advantages, but for some people a traditional IRA makes more sense. With a Roth IRA there is no minimum distribution though, and it can be passed on to spouses or children if it is not completely used by the original investor. The disbursements from these IRAs are not taxed, nor are the earnings that come from the original investment.
Filed under: General Interest