IRMAA News & Analysis

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401(k) Tax Bracket Smoothing: Save on 12% Rates Annually
EconomyNeutral6/14/2026

401(k) Tax Bracket Smoothing: Save on 12% Rates Annually

Married couples can convert approximately $133,000 annually from traditional 401(k) accounts to Roth at a 12% tax rate, minimizing effective taxes to about 9% before reaching the 22% bracket. Retirees facing large distributions may find effective marginal tax rates near 40% when RMDs and Social Security taxation converge at age 73. For a couple starting with $1.5 million in 401(k)s, failing to use bracket smoothing could inflate their RMD to around $107,000, alongside approximately $80,000 in delayed Social Security benefits, increasing gross income to over $187,000. Implementing these strategies is essential to manage retirement tax liabilities effectively.

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Options Trading Results in $300,000 Gains and IRMAA Concerns
MarketsNeutral4/21/2026

Options Trading Results in $300,000 Gains and IRMAA Concerns

An adviser reportedly made $300,000 through options trading, raising questions about tax implications for the investor. The client noted concerns regarding the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) set to impact their finances in two years. Understanding the intricacies of taxation and penalties on these earnings could influence future trading strategies and client decisions. This situation highlights the importance of tax planning in relation to significant investment gains. It emphasizes the need for investors to evaluate the tax consequences of trading activities.

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Medicare Part B Premiums Reach $202.90; Higher-Income Surcharges Explained
EconomyNeutral3/28/2026

Medicare Part B Premiums Reach $202.90; Higher-Income Surcharges Explained

For 2023, the standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B is set at $202.90. Higher-income enrollees may face increased premiums through income-related monthly adjustment amounts (IRMAAs), which can add hundreds of dollars based on modified adjusted gross income (MAGI). Individuals earning over $109,000 face premium surcharges, with those at $150,000 paying $405.80, effectively doubling the standard rate. The highest surcharge for singles with a MAGI over $500,000 could result in a total monthly cost of $689.90, influenced by income variations and previous fiscal assessments.

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