Have you ever completed your tax return to find out that you owe the federal government thousands of dollars? If so, I expect it was because you raided your pension or retirement plan. If you haven't learned this painful lesson yet, you should read this article so that you don't end up owing the IRS thousands.
"NEVER TAKE MONEY OUT OF YOUR RETIREMENT PLAN!" read the sign that hung in the tax accountant's office. I knew this was an overstatement, but understood why the accountant had such a sign in his office. Too many times did I, as a tax accountant myself, have to console crying or angry clients after explaining to them that they owed the government thousands of dollars because they withdrew money from their retirement or pension plan. The worst part is that these people that withdrew were often already facing immense financial problems - job losses, foreclosures, and bankruptcies.
If you take money out of your pension or retirement plan, you will first find out that the law requires retirement plan administrators to withhold 20 percent of your money for the federal government. Most people are upset by this news and believe withholding this amount will cover their tax bill. After all, it is a lot of money. What's important for you to know is that it's only the beginning.
Most taxpayers still need to worry about more federal and state taxes due. If you're in the 28 percent tax bracket, you'll owe the federal government another 8 percent of the amount you withdraw. Worse yet, if you're under 591/2 years of age, you'll most likely be penalized another 10 percent. In addition, most states will tax you 5 to 10 percent.
How will this affect your tax bill? If you withdraw $20,000, the plan administer will withhold 20 percent, leaving you with $16,000. By April 15 you'll realize that you owe another $3,600 to the federal government and $1,500 to the state. So by taking out $20,000 of retirement savings, you end up with only $10,900. Now you're probably beginning to understand why that tax accountant hung the sign "NEVER TAKE MONEY OUT OF YOUR RETIREMENT PLAN!"
Sure, there are exceptions. There are a number of ways to avoid the 10 percent penalty - using the retirement proceeds for tuition, medical costs, or to buy your first time home (up to $10,000). Some states don't have an income tax. And, of course, these penalties and taxes don't apply to ROTH Individual Retirement Accounts.
What's important to remember is that your tax advisor will be able to explain to you the financial consequences that specifically pertain to your situation. He or she may even be able to suggest alternatives, such as taking a loan out against your retirement plan. Remember, contributing to a retirement account is a wise choice, just don't make the very unwise choice by liquidating your account before speaking to a tax professional.
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