Investment and Finance

Hello Frederic,

You can withdraw your Roth contribution anytime with no penalty. However, the portion of the interest earned or growth will need to remain in the account for 5 years prior to the withdrawal in order to avoid the early penalty of 10% for the federal. Please be aware that some states impose an early withdrawal penalty as well. Assuming you are over 59 1/2 years, you won't need to be concerned about the penalty on the portion of the growth as long as it stays in your account for 5 years. There is an interesting fact that the 5 year period starts counting down with the first account opening. All subsequent Roth money contributed will be part of the original contribution.

The rules relating to the exclusion of gain on the sale of a principal residence remained unchanged. $500,000 for married couples and $250,000 for the other filing status.

Long-Term Capital Gains (and Qualified Dividends) have been subject to special maximum tax rates. The Act generally retains the maximum tax rate structure.
For 2018 the 15% rate applies once the following income limits are met: a. Joint returns - $77,200
b. Head of Household returns - $51,700
c. Single returns - $38,600
d. Married Separate returns - $38,600
e. Trusts and Estates - $2,600

For 2018 the 20% rate will apply to long-term capital gains and qualified dividends above these income levels:
a. Joint returns - $479,000
b. Head of Household returns - $452,400
d. Married Separate returns - $239,500
e. Trusts and Estates - $12,700

Prior to the Act, a 0% capital gain rate applied to capital gains where the taxpayer is paying in the 10% or 15% rate on ordinary income; a 15% capital gain rate applied to any taxpayer paying any other rate below 39.6%; and a 20% rate applied to the high-income taxpayers paying 39.6% on ordinary income.

In 2016, the AGI limit for the saver’s credit (also known as the retirement savings contribution credit) for low- and moderate-income workers is $61,500 for married couples filing jointly, up from $61,000 in 2015; $45,750 for heads of household, up from $45,000; and $30,750 for married individuals filing separately and for singles, up from $30,500.
In 2015, the AGI limit for the saver’s credit (also known as the retirement savings contribution credit) for low- and moderate-income workers is $61,000 for married couples filing jointly, up from $60,000 in 2014; $45,750 for heads of household, up from $45,000; and $30,500 for married individuals filing separately and for singles, up from $30,000.

The adjusted gross income limitation under Section 25B(b)(1)(A) for determining the retirement savings contribution credit for taxpayers filing as head of household is increased from $27,000 to $27,375; the limitation under Section 25B(b)(1)(B) is increased from $29,250 to $29,625; and the limitation under Sections 25B(b)(1)(C) and 25B(b)(1)(D) is increased from $45,000 to $45,750.

Effective January 1, 2016, the limitation on the annual benefit under a defined benefit plan under Section 415(b)(1)(A) remains at $210,000.
For a participant who separated from service before January 1, 2016, the limitation for defined benefit plans under Section 415(b)(1)(B) is computed by multiplying the participant's compensation limitation, as adjusted through 2015, by 1.0011.

The adjusted gross income limitation under Section 25B(b)(1)(A) for determining the retirement savings contribution credit for married taxpayers filing a joint return is increased from $36,000 to $36,500; the limitation under Section 25B(b)(1)(B) is increased from $39,000 to $39,500; and the limitation under Sections 25B(b)(1)(C) and 25B(b)(1)(D) is increased from $60,000 to $61,000.

The limit on annual contributions to an Individual Retirement Arrangement (IRA) remains unchanged at $5,500. The additional catch-up contribution limit for individuals aged 50 and over is $1,000 for a maximum amount of $6,500.