Consider Taxes and Choose Your Retirement Location Carefully

Last week we discussed the best and worst states to retire in when it comes to taxes. So what kinds of factors actually play a role in coming up with those numbers? Choosing a place to call home when you retire is important and there are many factors that can play a role in where you end up. However, speaking strictly in regards to taxes, these are the top four taxes to consider when you’re ready to hang it up and retire.

Of course, your federal income tax will be the same wherever you end up so that is not relevant, but these four other taxes are:

  • State income tax – most states charge income tax, but the rates vary. There are seven states, however, that don’t charge any state income tax, which could greatly reduce your retirement taxes.
  • Social Security tax – the next tax to look at is the SS tax. There are 13 states that will tax your Social Security benefits; so avoiding these states will reduce your tax bill.
  • Sales tax – all but five states have a sales tax but every state’s sales tax rate will differ, so that is another important tax to keep in mind when you retire.
  • Property tax – your property tax will also affect your total tax bill so keep this tax in mind when choosing your final home destination, as well.

The bottom line is you should enjoy retirement, no matter where you live. So make sure you choose your location wisely and consider all of these different taxes and how each will affect your personal situation before you make your choice.

/GROCO
Posted in ,

The Roth Way to Riches

The Roth Way to Riches By Roy Lewis With all the recent tax-code changes, it seems a number of taxpayers have forgotten the Roth IRA. That’s a shame, because it’s far more than an ordinary retirement savings account. Roth IRAs are tax-favored accounts to which qualified taxpayers can make non-deductible, after-tax contributions. Those contributions can…

executor and trustee

Choosing Your Executor and Trustee

Choosing Your Executor and Trustee You know that it’s vital to make a proper will and keep it up to date. No less critical is the need to select your executor or personal representative with care. You may believe that any friend or relative whom you might select could do the job. Perhaps so. But…

Estate Planning is not One size fits all

Estate Planning is Not “One Size Fits All”

Estate Planning is Not “One Size Fits All” Married, never married, widowed, divorced—each of us has unique needs when it comes to how and to whom we make our bequests. Here, in a brief discussion, are a few checkpoints for developing an estate planning strategy for people who are on their own. Review your will…