Social Security

Social Security Disability - Duration

Asked Monday, November 20, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

Generally, there is no limit to the duration of Social Security disability benefits.
If you qualify, you will keep collecting Social Security Disability benefits as long as your disability condition prevents you from working.
The Social Security Administration will periodically review your case to see if there has been an improvement in your disabled condition.
If you are once again determined healthy enough to work, your benefits will stop. If you are still receiving benefits when you reach age 65, your disability benefit will be automatically converted to retirement benefits.
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Roth IRAs

Do I have to make my re-characterization of my Roth to a conventional IRA selection by the April 15th due date of the return ?

Asked Monday, November 06, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

No. You are allowed to re-characterize your Roth IRA to a conventional IRA up until the final due date of the income tax return. This means the due date plus extensions translate from April 15th to potentially Oct 15th.
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Retirement Planning

What is a Defined Benefit plan ?

Asked Monday, November 06, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

A defined benefit pension plan is a major type of pension plan in which an employer promises a specified monthly benefit on retirement that is predetermined by a formula based on the employee's earnings history, tenure of service and age, rather than depending on investment returns. The most common type of formula used is based on the employee’s terminal earnings. Under this formula, benefits are based on a percentage of average earnings during a specified number of years at the end of a worker’s career. In the private sector, defined benefit plans are typically funded exclusively by employer contributions. For very small companies with one owner and a handful of younger employees, the business owner generally receives a high percentage of the benefits. In the public sector, defined benefit plans often require employee contributions.
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Retirement Planning

In relation to retirement, what is a Defined benefit plan?

Asked Monday, November 06, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

A Defined benefit plan is a pension plan in which the sponsor agrees to make specified dollar payments to qualifying employees.
The pension obligations are effectively the debt obligation of the plan sponsor.
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Roth IRAs

If I re-characterized my Roth IRA to a regular IRA , can I reconvert it back to to a Roth IRA ?

Asked Monday, November 06, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

Yes. The IRS lets you make changes from Roth IRAs to regular IRAs and back, more than once. After you re-characterize a Roth IRA to a regular IRA, you can convert it again but not until the following year, or thirty days later, whichever takes longer.
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Roth IRAs

Can I reconvert my Roth IRA back to a conventional IRA ?

Asked Monday, November 06, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

Yes. If you converted a conventional IRA to a Roth IRA, and now want to reconvert it back to a conventional IRA, you may do so with limitations. When you changed the IRA to a Roth IRA, it is termed a "conversion".
When you change it back from a Roth IRA to conventional IRA it is termed a "re-characterization".
The IRS has imposed a waiting period before a reconversion may be made. You may not convert to a ROTH IRA, re-characterize to a traditional IRA and Reconvert the same funds to a Roth IRA in the same calendar year.
You must wait more than 30 days from the date of the re-characterization before a valid reconversion may be made.
You may also file an amended return (IRS Forms 1040X with Form 8606) to make this re-characterization.
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Social Security

Social Security - Survivor's web site

Asked Thursday, October 26, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

The website is http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pgm/survivors.htm.
To apply for your Survivor's Social Security benefits or Retirement benefits, call 1-800-772-1213. The hours of use are between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.
After answering some questions, a completed application will be mailed to the applicant for their signature and possible copies of additional required documents, such as marriage certificate or divorce papers.
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Retirement Planning

Do I pay capital gains on my IRA account distribution ?

Asked Tuesday, October 24, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

On traditional IRA's, the gains realized over the years in the form of capital gains, dividends, and interest are deferred and not taxable until you take IRA distributions. When you do take the IRA distribution, the amount is considered ordinary income and taxed as such, and not taxed as capital gains.
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Social Security

Social Security - Non-resident alien dependent

Asked Tuesday, October 24, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

You need to fill out Form SS-5-FS, which can be obtained either from your local CPA or from the Social Security Administration.
The SSA website is http://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/ In addition to using the SSA website, you can call SSA toll-free at 1-800-772-1213.
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