Retirement Accounts and Tax Planning: IRAs, 401(k), and RMDs

Categories: Federal Tax, IRS CE
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About Course

This course provides enrolled agents, CPAs, and tax return preparers with a comprehensive understanding of retirement account taxation, contribution rules, and distribution requirements under current federal tax law. Participants will explore the rules governing Traditional and Roth IRAs, employer-sponsored 401(k) plans, required minimum distributions (RMDs), and strategies for penalty avoidance and tax-efficient withdrawals.

The course is designed to equip practitioners with the knowledge needed to advise clients on retirement planning decisions, maximize tax advantages, and maintain compliance with IRS regulations throughout the account lifecycle — from contribution through distribution.



Related Courses

What Will You Learn?

  • Differentiate between Traditional and Roth IRA contribution distribution and eligibility rules
  • Apply IRA contribution limits deductibility requirements and income phase-out thresholds
  • Identify 401(k) contribution limits employer matching provisions and vesting rules
  • Determine the tax treatment of Traditional Roth IRA and Roth 401(k) accounts
  • Calculate and apply Required Minimum Distribution RMD rules deadlines and aggregation requirements
  • Recognize rollover transfer and Roth conversion rules and common compliance pitfalls
  • Identify early withdrawal penalties penalty exceptions and retirement account planning opportunities
  • Apply retirement account tax planning concepts in common taxpayer situations

Course Content

Module 1 – Traditional and Roth IRAs: Contributions, Limits, and Eligibility
This module introduces the fundamental structure of Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and examines the key differences between Traditional and Roth IRAs. Participants will learn contribution limits, eligibility requirements, deductibility rules, earned income requirements, MAGI phaseout provisions, and the tax consequences of excess contributions. The module also reviews planning considerations that help taxpayers maximize retirement savings while maintaining compliance with federal tax rules.

  • Traditional and Roth IRAs: Contributions, Limits, and Eligibility

Module 2 – 401(k) Plans: Employer-Sponsored Retirement Savings and Tax Treatment
This module examines employer-sponsored retirement plans and the tax advantages associated with 401(k) participation. Participants will learn elective deferral limits, catch-up contribution rules, employer matching contributions, vesting schedules, Roth versus traditional 401(k) treatment, annual contribution limitations, and plan loan provisions. The module also reviews important retirement planning considerations and recent legislative changes affecting retirement plan participants.

Module 3 – Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs): Rules, Calculations, and Deadlines
This module focuses on the rules governing required minimum distributions from retirement accounts. Participants will learn when RMDs begin, how annual distributions are calculated, applicable deadlines, aggregation rules, inherited IRA requirements, and compliance considerations. Practical examples demonstrate common planning opportunities and reporting requirements associated with retirement account distributions.

Module 4 – Penalty Avoidance, Early Withdrawals, and Roth Conversions
This module explores the tax consequences of early retirement account withdrawals and the planning strategies available to reduce penalties and improve long-term tax outcomes. Participants will learn the IRC Section 72(t) penalty rules, statutory exceptions, substantially equal periodic payment arrangements, Roth conversion mechanics, pro-rata rules, and tax planning considerations associated with retirement account distributions and conversions.

Final Assessment – Retirement Accounts and Tax Planning: IRAs, 401(k), and RMDs
You have completed a comprehensive review of retirement accounts and tax planning, covering traditional and Roth IRA rules, 401(k) contribution limits, required minimum distribution calculations, the 10-year rule for inherited accounts, and strategic planning for retirement income. You are now prepared to demonstrate your understanding of the key concepts. The following final examination assesses your knowledge of the material covered in all four modules. A passing score of 70% is required to successfully complete the course.

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