JM EGAN Wealth Advisors, LLC, John M. Egan, CFP - Tax Deferral : Article: Tax Deferral

What Is Tax Deferral?

“Tax deferral” is a method of postponing the payment of income tax on currently earned investment income until the investor withdraws funds from the account. Tax deferral is encouraged by the government to stimulate long-term saving and investment, especially for retirement.

Only investment vehicles designated as “tax deferred,” such as IRAs, plans covering self-employed persons, and 401(k)s, allow taxes to be deferred. In addition, many insurance-related vehicles, such as deferred annuities and certain life insurance contracts, provide tax-deferred benefits.

There is a substantial benefit to deferring taxes as long as possible, because this allows the entire principal and any accumulated earnings to compound tax deferred. The compounding effect can be dramatic over an extended period of time and can make a big difference in the accumulation of a retirement nest egg.

Additionally, tax-deferred investments are often made when you are earning a higher income and are therefore taxed at a higher rate. When you reach retirement and begin taking distributions from your tax-deferred accounts, there is the possibility that you will be in a lower tax bracket.

One note of caution: When formulating your tax plan, recognize that most tax-deferred investments do incur penalties for early withdrawals prior to age 59½. All withdrawals are subject to ordinary income tax, but early withdrawals are subject to an additional 10% federal income tax penalty. Once again, the government is encouraging a long-term outlook.

The information in this article is not intended to be tax or legal advice, and it may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek tax or legal advice from an independent professional advisor.

Investment Advisory Services offered through J.M. Egan Wealth Advisors, LLC. John M. Egan, CFP® and Janet S. Sherry, CFP®, Investment Advisor Representatives.Securities offered through Securities America, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. John M. Egan, CFP®, Janet S. Sherry, CFP®, Registered Representatives.Securities America, Inc. and J.M. Egan Wealth Advisors, LLC, are independent non-affiliated entities.

Please remember to contact J. M. Egan Wealth Advisors, LLC if there are any changes in your financial situation or investment objectives, or if you wish to impose, add or modify any reasonable restrictions to our investment management and advisory services. A copy of our current written disclosure statement discussing our advisory services and fees is available for your review upon request.

Investment Advisory licensed in: CA, CT, FL, GA, MA, ME, MS, NH, NV, NJ, NC, NY, PA, TX.
Securities licensed in: CA, CT, FL, GA, MA, ME, MS, NH, NV, NJ, NC, NY, PA, TX, VA, VT.
Insurance licensed in: NJ, NV, NY