RMD

Forum|Forum|1 year ago
March 19, 2025
1 reply
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In tax planning, would taking distributions prior to age 73 ( let’s say from 70 until RMD age) to minimize the tax and use the money (in the distribution) for uses for family and not only minimize the tax but also safeguard the individual in case they die ( and are not able to use their retirement funds)?

Also, if tax rates on distributions increases due to the state of the US economy, wouldn’t it be prudent to stake distributions before RMD are required to minimize tax laibility?

Ask the Experts - Changes II - Mar 2025

JamesG1

Level 15

If distributions are withdrawn in the period from age 70 through age 72, the distributions will be taxable to the recipient.

How would the proceeds be used that would "minimize the tax but also safeguard the individual in case they die"?

See also this TurboTax Help.

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Sec2Author

Level 2

Thank you. The highlighted question that I wrote is if the tax rate on the distributions increase due to changes in law(always possible), wouldn’t it be prudent to take the distribution at an earlier age (between 70-73), decrease the amount of money remaining in the retirement account, and pay the taxes on the distribution. Later if the tax rate changes, one saves a good bit of money depending on how much the tax rate increases. It is very unlikely that taxes on distributions will decrease, so one has effectively lowered their tax liability on the distributions by taking the distributions between (70-74).

And yes, understand that the tax rate could remain the same, but one is simply mitigating that risk.

What is your opinion?

RobertB4444

Level 15

The other question you have to ask - in addition to the very good one that you are asking and correct about - is what your total income level will be in the future. It is always assumed that your gross income will be lower after retirement lowering your tax rate as well.

But you are correct that tax rates are unlikely to ever be lower than they currently are.

@Sec2

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