$5,000 Qualified Birth or Adoption Distributions
Being a new parent post 2020 comes with some exciting financial opportunities, thanks to the SECURE Act passed by Congress on December 19, 2019. Now, parents can withdraw up to $5,000 from their IRAs or 401(k) plans after the birth of their child without facing the 10% early withdrawal penalty. Let's dive into the details:
Key Considerations for New Parents:
- Effective Date: The SECURE Act introduced the "Qualified Birth or Adoption Distribution," effective December 2019.
- Taxes on Distribution: While the distribution avoids the 10% penalty, it counts as taxable income for the year.
- Withdrawal Deadline: Parents have 12 months from the child's birth to make the distribution.
- Per Parent or Couple: It's $5,000 per parent, allowing each parent to utilize this benefit.
- 401(k) Plans: Not all plans allow these distributions, and employers may need to update their policies.
- Per Child: The $5,000 exemption is per child, with no lifetime limit.
How It Works:
- Timing: The distribution can only occur after the child's birth, within 12 months.
- Example: Jim and Sarah, with a child born on May 5, 2020, can withdraw $5,000 from Jim's IRA until May 4, 2021.
Tax Implications:
- Federal and State Taxes: While the distribution avoids the 10% penalty, it is subject to federal and state income taxes.
- Tax Credits: The $2,000 federal tax credit for dependent children can offset tax liabilities.
Optimizing Tax Strategies:
- $5,000 Per Parent: Both parents can leverage this benefit, potentially spreading distributions over separate tax years for tax efficiency.
- Example: Scott and Linda, in a 24% tax bracket, might consider staggering their $5,000 IRA distributions for lower tax liabilities.
Multiple Children:
- No Lifetime Limit: The 10% exemption applies to each child, allowing parents like Scott and Linda to repeat the process for subsequent births.
IRS Audit and 401(k) Plans:
- Documentation: No need to track spending; the child's birth is the qualifying event.
- 401(k) Plans: While IRAs are covered, 401(k) plans may require plan amendments for this distribution option.
Repayment Option and Adoptions:
- Repayment: Parents can repay distributed amounts, but details await further IRS guidance.
- Adoptions: Similar rules apply, with a $5,000 exemption per child under 18, applicable after the adoption is finalized within 12 months.
