Depending on the types of retirement benefits you receive, they could be taxable. Here are some basics:
Fully Taxable Payments
The pension or annuity payments that you receive are fully taxable if you don’t have an investment in the contract because:
- You didn’t contribute anything to your pension or annuity
- Your employer didn’t withhold contributions from your salary
- You have received all your contributions tax free in prior years
Partially Taxable Payments
If you made after-tax contributions to your pension or annuity, your pension payments are partially taxable. You don’t pay taxes on the portion of the payment that’s a return of the after-tax amount you paid.
Additional 10% Tax on Early Distributions
Receiving pension or annuity payments before age 59½ may subject you to an additional 10% tax on early distributions. The additional tax doesn’t apply to the portion of a distribution that is tax-free or distributions made:
- As a part of a series of substantially equal periodic payments beginning after your separation from service
- Because you’re totally and permanently disabled
- On or after the death of the plan participant or contract holder
- After your separation from service and in or after the year you reached age 55
* This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax professional.
Tip adapted from IRS.gov
https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc410
Links are being provided for information purposes only. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse, authorize or sponsor any of the listed websites or their respective sponsors. Raymond James is not responsible for the content of any website or the collection or use of information regarding any website’s users and/or members. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional.