3 ways to avoid Required Minimum Distributions.

Required minimum distributions (RMDs) are mandatory withdrawals from retirement accounts once you reach the age of 72. It is important to understand all aspects of RMDs in order to ensure that you comply with the law and avoid costly penalties. Knowing how much to withdraw, when it must be withdrawn, and other key details can help make sure that your RMD requirements are met properly so that you don't end up owing additional taxes or fees. While these distributions may seem unavoidable, there are some strategies to help reduce or even avoid them altogether. Here are three options for avoiding RMDs and the potential benefits of each strategy.

Ways to avoid RMD’s.

Roth Conversions:  One way to avoid RMDs is by converting a traditional IRA into a Roth IRA before reaching the required withdrawal age. This type of conversion allows individuals to pay taxes on their contributions upfront and then enjoy tax-free growth as well as tax-free withdrawals in retirement. Furthermore, since Roth IRAs do not have any mandated withdrawal requirements, investors can leave funds in those accounts indefinitely without worrying about meeting RMD deadlines or incurring additional taxes due to missed distributions. 

Keep Working:  Another option for avoiding RMDs is keeping money invested in an employer sponsored plan such as 401(k) while continuing to work. Unlike traditional IRAs which require holders to take annual distributions once they turn 72, 401(k) plans allow participants who still work at the sponsoring company after turning 72 to postpone taking any distribution until they retire or leave their job with that company. In addition to avoiding RMDs, this strategy can also provide additional tax-deferred growth for investments. 

Qualified Charitable Distributions:  Finally, investors can avoid taking RMDs by setting up a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from their IRA or retirement plan. This option allows those who are 72 and older to make direct transfers of up to $100,000 per year from their IRA accounts directly to charity. QCDs are excluded from taxable income and count towards satisfying any required distributions that may be due. In addition, these donations can potentially be used as part of an overall charitable giving strategy while reducing your taxable income at the same time. 

No matter which option you choose for avoiding RMDs, it's important to work with a financial advisor to ensure that you are taking advantage of all available strategies in order to make the most of your retirement funds. Your advisor can provide personalized advice based on your individual goals and needs as well as develop a tailored plan that fits within your lifestyle, helping you both avoid unnecessary taxes and fulfill any required distributions. By working together with an experienced professional, investors can make sure their retirement funds are working for them and gain the peace of mind that comes with knowing their financial future is secure.