A Tax Planning Guide for High-Net-Worth Retirees

Tax planning is an essential aspect of financial management, especially for individuals who have accumulated substantial wealth over their lifetime. High-net-worth (HNW) retirees, in particular, need to pay special attention to their tax planning strategies. Planning for taxes can help them address retirement income and leave a significant legacy for their descendants with decreased concern for tax consequences.

The substantial assets of HNW retirees often mean they bear a heavier tax burden than average retirees. The key to managing their tax liability lies in creating a plan for taxes, utilizing various tax-efficient strategies, and remaining agile in response to changes in tax laws. This tax planning guide provides insights on four areas of tax planning for HNW retirees: Roth IRA conversions, tax-efficient strategies, estate planning and trusts, and charitable giving.

1: Roth IRA conversions

Roth conversions are an important consideration in a tax planning strategy. A Roth IRA allows for tax-free growth and distribution, affording retirees a tax-advantageous means of growing and accessing retirement funds. However, pre-tax assets must be converted into a Roth using a Roth conversion, which triggers a tax payable event. HNW retirees may find performing a conversion during lower-income years or market downturns beneficial to help mitigate their tax impact. Here are other things to know about Roth IRA conversions:

• A Roth provides the flexibility to withdraw money when needed.
• There is no Required Minimum Distribution (RMD).
• A Roth IRA conversion as part of estate planning may help lessen the impact of estate taxes on an estate.
• You will have to pay taxes on the amount converted into the Roth IRA.
• Your adjusted gross income (AGI) may increase.

2: Tax-efficient strategies

Another crucial aspect to consider in tax planning is investing in tax-efficient strategies. Investing for tax efficiency typically involves structuring your investment portfolio to take advantage of long-term capital gains tax rates, often lower than ordinary income tax rates. For example, investing in tax-efficient assets such as index funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), or tax-managed funds, which are designed to mitigate the investor’s tax liability because they trigger fewer capital gains. Other examples of tax-efficient investment strategies include:

• Municipal bonds – the interest income isn’t taxed at the federal level and may be tax-exempt at the state and local level.
• Treasury bonds and Series I bonds – both are tax-exempt from state and local taxes.

3: Estate planning and trusts

Beyond income tax, HNW retirees must consider estate tax implications, as estates valued above the federal estate tax exemption level are subject to estate tax rates. HNW retirees must understand that inheritance regulations can differ significantly from state to state within the United States, often creating considerable complexity for heirs, executors, and legal and tax professionals.

Not all states in the U.S. impose an estate tax; some have no estate taxes, while others may levy a tax of up to 20% of the estate’s value. States like New York, Massachusetts, and Oregon impose estate taxes, while others like Florida and Nevada don’t. Some states even have inheritance taxes levied on the estate’s heirs, which can also vary widely from state to state.

Because estate laws vary from state to state, HNW retirees must work with financial, legal, and tax professionals to help navigate these complex laws. Knowing these laws and preparing your estate to address them may help align the distribution of your estate with your wishes while preserving your legacy.

Trusts, such as bypass or dynasty trusts, may be suitable tools for managing estate tax liability and preserving wealth for future generations. Various types of trusts may be appropriate depending on the needs of the benefactor, heirs, and goals of the trust. Here are some types of trusts often used in estate planning due to their tax benefits:

Irrevocable trust – the assets move out of your estate, and the trust pays its income tax and files a separate return. Irrevocable trusts may provide HNW retirees and heirs protection from creditors and estate taxes. There are two types of irrevocable trusts:

• Living trust – is originated and funded by an individual during their lifetime.
• Testamentary trust – is irrevocable by design because it is created after the death of its creator and is funded from the deceased’s estate according to the terms of its will.

Charitable remainder trust – a charitable remainder trust can provide an income stream for the donor while passing the remainder to charity, effectively reducing the estate tax liability.

Trusts are complex legal vehicles that pass assets to heirs as part of an estate planning strategy. Therefore, HNW retirees must work with legal, tax, and financial professionals to help them better understand which type of trust is appropriate for their situation.

4: Charitable giving

Additionally, charitable giving may be an appropriate tax planning strategy for HNW retirees. Charitable donations not only help support worthy causes but may provide substantial tax benefits, particularly for HNW retirees. Numerous tax-efficient strategies offer tax benefits to the donor:

Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) – for HNW retirees who must take an annual Required Minimum Distribution (RMD), a QCD can transfer a portion or all of their RMD directly from their IRA to a qualified charitable organization.

Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) – a Donor-Advised Fund is a philanthropic vehicle that provides an immediate tax benefit to the donor. DAFs allow donors to decide where their funds may make the most impact.

Establish a foundation – a private foundation allows HNW retirees control over funding by directing funds towards targeted purposes over an extended period, ensuring one’s financial contributions provide a sustained effect.

HNW retirees may find it beneficial to work with tax, legal, and financial professionals who understand the complexities of charitable giving as a tax planning strategy and the latest tax laws and regulations.

In conclusion, tax planning for HNW retirees may involve strategically using Roth conversions, tax-efficient investments, estate planning and trusts, charitable giving, and other strategies not listed in this guide. It’s vital that HNW retirees mitigate their tax liability, maintain their standard of living, and make a lasting impact through their estate and charitable contributions. While tax planning can be complex, implementing a suitable approach – complemented by working with financial, legal, and tax professionals – may provide tax savings and pave the way for a comfortable retirement.