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For many workers, they get so caught up in the idea of retiring that they forget about what comes after. Can you continue to afford the same lifestyle? Will you need to move to a state that’s more advantageous in terms of taxes? Let’s take somebody who lives in Washington, for example; it’s hard not to get attracted to the tax-friendly policies found in South Carolina, North Carolina, or Delaware.
If you’re like many federal workers, you won’t have thought about life after retirement. We’re not trying to make you feel bad, or even get you panicking, just simply aware of the sort of decisions you face after retirement. While some will want to stay where they are, others will look into the states where Social Security benefits aren’t taxed or where retirement benefits are tax-free.
No matter what you have in mind, the one question that needs an answer is how significantly your income will fall after retiring. Will you need to lean on the TSP to fill the gap between an annuity and a previous salary? For some, they’re able to leave a good amount to loved ones.
If you’re in the CSRS (Civil Service Retirement System) program, the extra TSP money is perhaps secondary to the larger annuity. On the other hand, we know that TSP money is more important for those under the FERS (Federal Employees Retirement System) – nowadays, this is most federal workers.
Can You Afford to Retire?
This is the all-important question, and it’s one that not many federal workers can actually answer. If you were to stop reading now and think about retirement, it probably brings up thoughts of confusion and anxiety rather than comfortably knowing whether or not you’re ready for the big day.
Sometimes, we see federal workers making decisions based on FERS and their retirement benefits alone. However, a single decision can also affect TSP withdrawal options and Social Security. Elsewhere, it’s challenging to get our heads around how each benefit is taxed. For instance, you might know about the tax-free component with FERS. Apart from this small component, it’s actually taxed like any other form of income. For all retirees, they need to file a W-4P; after the Office of Personnel Management adjudicates claims, it’s possible to arrange state tax withholding.
With the TSP, it’s always taxed as ordinary income apart from one exception; qualified Roth contributions (where tax is not applicable). While state tax cannot be elected, federal tax withholding can. Finally, most Americans get Social Security without having to worry about tax, but this isn’t the case for the majority of ex-federal workers.
For ordinary income tax, the tax rate for benefits is 85% for those earning over $44,000 on a joint return and $34,000 on an individual return. For those who want to withhold after already taking some benefits, you’ll need IRS Form W-4V – through this form; you’re essentially submitting a request for voluntary withholding. Depending on your need, send a specific percentage of your monthly benefits straight towards the tax bill. Options include:
• 7%
• 10%
• 12%
• 22%
With this form, it’s also possible to stop withholding and change the withholding rate. To determine your overall income, take your adjusted gross income and add half of Social Security benefits and all nontaxable interest.
With regards to state tax, this is a little more confusing, and it’s dependent on whether the state itself taxes benefits. While some tax everything, others will not tax retirement benefits, income tax, or SSA. Therefore, we recommend talking to a professional or learning the tax laws in your state.
Conclusion
What will you do after retirement? Whether or not you choose to stay in your current home depends on a wealth of factors. As well as everything we’ve discussed today with taxes and other financial aspects, you also need to consider your family, schooling, house prices, weather, lifestyle, and more.
If you need help, don’t forget to reach out to a financial professional. With an impartial view of the situation, they can consider your financial needs and how to best meet your goals for retirement and beyond!