Topic
Retirement savings are often among the largest assets divided in a divorce, and the rules differ by account type. This explainer covers how 401(k)s, pensions and IRAs are split, what a QDRO does, how taxes and penalties apply, and when an ex-spouse can claim Social Security benefits.
Many employers now let workers split 401(k) savings between pre-tax and Roth contributions. The choice comes down to when you prefer to pay tax, and nobody knows future tax rates for certain. This guide explains how each option works, the factors that tilt the decision, and why mixing the two can make sense.
Up to 85 percent of Social Security benefits can be subject to federal income tax, depending on your other income. This explainer walks through provisional income, the two thresholds, why a few extra dollars of withdrawals can pull more benefits into tax, and what withholding and planning options exist.
Taking money out of a 401(k) or IRA before age 59½ usually means income tax plus a 10% additional tax. But the tax code has more exceptions than most savers realize, from the rule of 55 to substantially equal payments. Here is how early withdrawals work and what to check before you take one.
Retirement does not end income tax; it changes where the bill comes from. Here is how the IRS treats Social Security benefits, traditional and Roth withdrawals, pensions, required minimum distributions and taxable investment accounts, plus how withholding and estimated payments work.
