Unforgettable Birthdays
Unforgettable Birthdays
Birthdays may seem less important as you grow older. They may not offer the impact of watershed moments such as getting a driver’s license at 16 and voting at 18. But beginning at age 59, there are several key birthdays that can affect your tax situation, health-care eligibility, and retirement benefits.
59½ — You can start taking penalty-free withdrawals from IRAs and qualified retirement plans as long as certain conditions are met. Ordinary income taxes generally apply to these distributions. (Withdrawals taken prior to age 59½ may be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty.)
62 — You are eligible to start collecting Social Security benefits, although your benefit will be reduced by up to 30%. To receive full benefits, you must wait until “full retirement age,” which ranges from 65 to 67 depending on the year you were born.
65 — You are eligible to enroll in Medicare. Medicare Part A Hospital Insurance benefits are automatic for those eligible for Social Security. Part B Medical Insurance benefits are voluntary and have a monthly premium. To obtain coverage at the earliest possible date, you should generally enroll about two to three months before turning 65.1
70½ — You must start taking minimum distributions from most tax-deferred retirement plans or face a 50% penalty on the amount that should have been withdrawn. Annual required minimum distributions are calculated according to life expectancies determined by the federal government.
Source: 1) Medicare & You 2015, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
