Recently retired income change

[roodvofj]

Just retired in early September. How soon can I expect my tax rate to change (be lowered) when it comes to applying for loans or grants/scholarships for my daughters going to college next year? Hoping to have them look at our new income level of just my SS and pension income, which I assume is taxable, and my wife's income who is still working, without any investment distributions from my accounts yet, versus the prior when I was working with a higher salary at a higher tax rate.

[Anonymous]

Hello roodvofj,

Thank you for participating in the Ask the Expert event. As to your question, your tax rate is based on all income for the tax year (January through December). So, since you retired in early September, your income for 2021 will have 8 months of the higher salary plus 4 months of your SS and pension income. It will be a little less than your 2020 income, but not as less as what I assume your 2022 income will be with a full year of SS and pension. Any investment distributions made during the tax year will be added to your total income for that year. I hope that helps and good luck.