Federal Government Looking for Ways to Get to Retirement Funds
Just when you thought your retirement account was safe from the federal government, think again. That’s’ because according to the Government Accountability Office, there are around 9,000 U.S. taxpayers who have a minimum of $5 million in an individual retirement account.
Now some lawmakers are taking a closer look at these accounts because as Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden of Oregon puts it: “The IRA was never intended to be a tax shelter for millionaires.” According to the GAO report, these accounts are only possible for someone who has access to investments that are not available to most people or who has an aggressive investment strategy.
Meantime, there were an estimated 1,100 taxpayers that had more than $10 million in their IRAs as of 2001, according to the GAO report. Of those, 314 people had more than $25 million. On the other hand, that means that close to 99 percent of all people who have IRAs have less than $1 million in their accounts.
So what, if anything, is the government trying to do about these types of accounts? For starters, last year, President Obama introduced a proposal that would put limits on these kinds of accounts. Under his proposal no one would be able to add tax-favored contributions after their total account balances accumulated about 3.2 million. However, so far, the president’s proposal has not moved forward in Congress. It remains to be seen if other lawmakers will push harder for changes.
Insanity
Insanity Transcript: So, you’re saying it’s ok. Insanity, is a side-effect of tax law. To receive our free newsletter, contact us here. Subscribe our YouTube Channel for more updates. This transcript was generated by software and may not accurately reflect exactly what was said. Alan Olsen, is the Host of the American Dreams Show and the Managing Partner…
Alan L. Olsen, CPA, MBA(tax)
Alan L. Olsen, CPA, MBA (Tax) Managing Partner Alan is managing partner at Greenstein, Rogoff, Olsen & Co., LLP, (GROCO) and is a respected leader in his field. He is also the radio show host to American Dreams. Alan’s CPA firm resides in the San Francisco Bay Area and serves some of the most influential…
Car Collections: Collectors, Investors, or Dealers Status
Car Collections: Collectors, Investors, or Dealers Status Recently a 1936 Bugatti sold for over $30 million. Granted, that’s the world’s most expensive car, and one of only three ever built, but it raises an important financial question for car collectors. While acquiring beautifully restored antique cars may be someone’s high-octane passion, the IRS could see…
Feds and States Secretly Raising Tax Revenues
Feds and States Secretly Raising Tax Revenues Is the Administration out raising taxes without congressional approval? The surprising answer is a resounding YES. Receiving that notice that you are being audited strikes fear in the hearts of most people. For many, these tough economic times are about to get worse. Tax professionals from across the…