Social Security taxation
Up to 85% of Social Security benefits can be federal-taxable depending on your total income. The threshold is based on 'combined income' (AGI plus non-taxable interest plus half of SS benefits). Many retirees can keep SS largely untaxed with careful income timing.
Required Minimum Distributions
RMDs start at age 73 (or 75 for those born in 1960 or later under SECURE 2.0). The first RMD can be deferred to April 1 of the following year, but doing so creates two RMDs in that year. Missing an RMD is a 25% penalty, reducible to 10% with timely correction.
Roth conversion windows
The years between retirement and age 73 are often the best Roth conversion opportunity of a taxpayer's life. Income is typically lower than peak earnings and RMDs haven't started filling the brackets yet.
IRMAA and the two-year lookback
Medicare premiums are means-tested against your income from two years earlier, and the tiers are cliffs rather than a slope: one dollar over a threshold raises the premium for the entire year. Roth conversions, large capital gains, and even a home sale can trip it. We check conversion plans against the IRMAA tiers before pulling the trigger, and appeal the surcharge when a qualifying life event like retirement itself justifies it.
Qualified charitable distributions
After age 70 1/2, giving directly from an IRA to charity counts toward the RMD and never lands in income at all. For retirees who take the standard deduction, a QCD beats writing a check and getting no deduction for it. It's the cleanest charitable tool available in retirement and chronically underused.
Which account to spend first
The order of withdrawals across taxable brokerage, tax-deferred IRA, and Roth accounts changes lifetime tax more than most single decisions. The conventional order isn't right for everyone: retirees with large deferred balances often come out ahead spending or converting deferred money early to shrink the RMDs waiting down the road.
Common questions
- Is my Social Security taxable?
- Depends on your combined income. Below $25,000 (single) or $32,000 (MFJ), no. Up to 50% taxable between those and $34,000/$44,000. Up to 85% taxable above.
- When should I convert to Roth?
- Typically in the low-income years between retirement and age 73, filling up to the top of your current tax bracket each year.
- What is IRMAA and why did my Medicare premium jump?
- It's an income-based surcharge on Medicare premiums keyed to your tax return from two years ago. A one-time income spike, like a conversion or a property sale, can cause it. Certain life events qualify for an appeal.
- Can I send my RMD to charity?
- Yes, through a qualified charitable distribution paid directly from the IRA to the charity. It satisfies the RMD and stays out of your income entirely.
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Personal Income Tax Preparation
Federal and state 1040 preparation with year-round planning. We handle W-2, 1099, K-1, rental, and crypto income for individuals in Florida and all 50 states.
Tax Planning
Year-round tax planning for individuals and business owners. We project the year's income quarterly and model decisions before they become tax liabilities.
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Tax Services for Snowbirds
Florida residency, the 183-day rule, Declaration of Domicile, part-year state returns, and homestead exemption for seasonal Florida residents and snowbirds.
Tax Services for Firefighters
Firefighter tax deductions: union dues, protective equipment, FLSA overtime, mileage, and second-job 1099 income and expenses. Remote filing in all 50 states.
Tax Services for Law Enforcement & Security Professionals
Tax deductions for law enforcement and security professionals: uniforms, training, vehicle use, and off-duty 1099 security work. Remote filing nationwide.
Tax Services for Teachers & Educators
Educator tax deductions, the $300 classroom expense deduction, summer tutoring and side income, and PSLF student loan strategy for teachers and counselors.