07/03/2026
Some really great information to always keep in mind!
📊 Retirement income falls into three tax buckets, and which one a dollar lands in can change your bill more than the size of the withdrawal does.
Traditional IRA and 401(k) withdrawals are generally taxed as ordinary income, with required minimum distributions usually beginning in your 70s.
Pensions are generally fully taxable, and up to 85% of your Social Security can be included in taxable income once your combined income clears the threshold.
Annuity taxation depends on the contract, since the earnings are taxable while part of each payment may come back tax-free if you funded it with after-tax money.
Long-term capital gains and qualified dividends are taxed at the lower 0%, 15%, or 20% rates instead of your ordinary bracket.
Roth IRA and Roth 401(k) withdrawals are federally tax-free once the age and holding-period rules are met, and municipal bond interest is usually exempt from federal tax.
A primary home sale may exclude up to $250,000 of gain if you are single, or $500,000 if married filing jointly, when the ownership and use rules are met.
Even tax-free income can carry a side effect, since municipal bond interest still counts in the combined-income formula that helps decide how much of your Social Security is taxed.
Which bucket does most of your retirement income fall into right now?
*The content shared here is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not personalized investment, tax, legal, or financial advice. Consult a licensed professional before making decisions based on your specific situation.*