Retirement Income Tax: Five Tips to Reduce How Much You Pay

April 12, 2018

Retirement Income Tax: Quick Tips

As Tax Day is rushing up, it can be challenging to understand how to deal with retirement income tax. If you aren’t working, it may seem that you would be in the clear. However, between paying taxes on your TSP, cashing out your other investments, and any possible small jobs you may take on during your retirement years, it can pay to make sure that your taxes are as minimal as possible, primarily because of your limited funds during your retirement years.

Contribute Fully to the TSP

The most important part, of course, is participating in your company-sponsored retirement plan. For federal employees, this will be your TSP. Make sure that you are saving the maximum 5% up to retirement, as the government offers a match that means you effectively double your TSP just by saving money you will spend anyway.

Consider Some Types of Life Insurance

Whole life insurance policies can be a useful means of possibly gaining tax-free income during retirement. Often, there is the possibility, as with indexed life insurance policies, that the policy accumulates a cash benefit connected to the market that means that you could go throughout retirement without having to pay any life insurance premiums or withdraw the money and spend it freely. You can simply avoid retirement income tax as much as possible by saving it instead.

Look Into Tax Deductions for Business

Sometimes, if you supplement your retirement income with part-time self-employment, there are some business expenses and deductions you could include on your tax return. Consult with a financial professional before you make any significant decisions about your career or business, as there is a possibility that the profit you make might not be worth the investment. It is your retirement, after all- if the work you already do doesn’t appeal, consider trying a more low-investment job that could be an enjoyable source of income.

Examine Your Personal Debt

If you have auto or other personal debt, consider consolidation into a lower rate of interest. Unfortunately, rolling it into a home equity loan to deduct the interest is no longer practical since the Tax Cut and Jobs Act passed into effect. Once again, the best solution for this is to discuss your options with a financial professional to be sure that you are getting the best financial solution possible.

Pack your Bags and Move Away

Ever wonder why so many retirees move to Florida? The reason is simple; there’s no state income tax, which can eliminate a massive financial load. In some states, the income tax rates can be as high as 9.90%.

All in all, there is no one right way to retire, but at least with these strategies, retirement income tax may be a little more navigable. To learn more about your options for retirement, go to tsp-withdrawal.com and talk to a financial expert.