Create a Health Savings Account and Save Money!
If you have a traditional IRA, you are typically required to pay tax at ordinary income rates when you take a distribution. The current top federal income tax rate on the taxable portion of an IRA distribution is 37%, and taking a taxable distribution can also lead to other tax complications such as an increase in the 3.8% net investment income tax (NIIT).
However, there is a strategy that can help you avoid these taxes and complications: rolling over your IRA funds into a health savings account (HSA). A one-time rollover is exempt from both income tax and any penalty tax. The maximum amount that can be rolled over is limited to the maximum HSA contribution allowed for the year, which is generally $3,850 for single coverage or $7,750 for family coverage (plus an additional $1,000 if you are over age 55).
But there’s a catch: this tax-free rollover is only allowed once in your lifetime, and the election to roll over is irrevocable. So, if you’re considering this strategy, it’s important to carefully weigh the pros and cons and make sure it’s the right decision for your financial situation. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to save on taxes and simplify your financial planning.