Department
School of Accountancy
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
8-1997
Abstract
Qualified retirement plans provide for tax deferral, but they are also subject to a 15% excise tax on excess distributions or accumulations, potentially higher marginal income tax rates on plan withdrawals, mandatory contributions for employers, estate taxes at death, and possible substantial income tax liability for plan beneficiaries. Three possible planning strategies to optimize return on funds available for contributions to a qualified plan include investment in alternative assets, lifetime gifts, and accelerated plan withdrawals. While the 3-year suspension of excess distribution excise taxes under the Small Business Job Protection Act may favor plan withdrawals, in certain situations participants are often best served by leaving the full amount in the plan to take advantage of the tax deferrals.
Journal Title
CPA Journal
Journal ISSN
0732-8435
Volume
67
Issue
8
First Page
38
Last Page
41