Plain-English answers to your tax questions.
Mary Garza on taxes, retirement income, Medicare, Social Security and planning ahead.
Required minimum distributions: 5 IRA mistakes to avoid
Missed deadlines, wrong amounts and costly penalties. Here’s how to get your RMDs right, and smarter ways to take them.
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Spousal and Survivor Benefits: What Married Couples Should Know
Married couples have more Social Security choices than most people realize. Here is a plain-English look at spousal and survivor benefits and why timing matters.
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Working While Collecting Social Security
You can work and collect Social Security, but starting early may mean some of your benefit is held back. Here is how the earnings test works and how taxes fit in.
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Leaving an IRA to Your Heirs: What They Should Know
Retirement accounts pass to the people you name, and your heirs may owe income tax on what they receive. Here is how inherited IRAs work and what to review.
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Giving During Life or Leaving at Death: Why Tax Basis Matters
When you give an asset to a family member, and when they inherit it, can change the capital gains tax they may owe. Here is a plain-English look at basis.
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The Tax Documents Retirees Should Gather Before Filing
Retirement brings new tax forms from Social Security, retirement accounts and more. Here is a simple checklist of what to collect before you file.
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Estimated Taxes and Withholding in Retirement
In retirement, no employer withholds tax from a paycheck. Here is a plain-English look at withholding from retirement income and when estimated payments come in.
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Your Medicare Initial Enrollment Window: Don't Miss It
Your first chance to join Medicare is a seven-month window around your 65th birthday. Here is how it works and why missing it can be costly.
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Turning 65: A Retirement Income Check-Up
Turning 65 is a good moment to look at your retirement income as a whole. These five questions can help you see where your money will come from and how it is taxed.
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A Plain-English Medicare Open Enrollment Checklist
Medicare open enrollment runs each fall. Here is a simple checklist of what to review so your plan still fits your health, your budget and your taxes.
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Five Questions to Ask Before You Claim Social Security
When to start Social Security is one of the biggest retirement choices. These five questions can help you think it through before you decide.
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Roth Conversions Explained in Plain English
A Roth conversion moves money from a pre-tax retirement account to a Roth account and creates a tax bill today. Here is how it works and what to think about.
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Required Withdrawals From Your IRA: The Basics
Required minimum distributions, or RMDs, are withdrawals the IRS requires from most pre-tax retirement accounts. Here is what they are and how to plan for them.
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The Estate Planning Documents Most People Need
A will is only one part of an estate plan. Here is a plain-English checklist of the documents many people use, and why beneficiary forms matter.
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Estate Planning in Texas: Why a Will Isn't Always Enough
A will is a start, but it does not control every asset. Here is what to check in Texas, and why beneficiary forms matter.
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3 Tax Breaks Retirees Often Miss
Retirees often miss tax breaks tied to medical costs and charitable giving. Here are three to ask your tax preparer about.
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Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap
Turning 65 means choosing between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare with a Medigap plan. Here is how they differ and what to ask first.
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Is Now the Right Time for a Roth Conversion?
A Roth conversion means paying tax now so future withdrawals may be tax-free. Here is how the idea works and what to weigh.
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The Hidden Taxes on Social Security
Part of your Social Security check may be taxable. Here is how the IRS decides, and questions worth asking before you claim.
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